In Galatina between the splendour of Santa Caterina and the new Blu Bistrot

One enters each time as if it were the first ever to admire the frescoed walls, the figures that populate the pillars and vaults of this Basilica dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, built at the behest of Raimondello Orsini Del Balzo between 1369 and 1391. One leaves enraptured and as if chased by the magnetic force of the rose window. This summer, however, the trip to Galatina has been enriched by another stop, decidedly curious and enjoyable: the singer Giorgia, in fact, in the baroque heart of the village has opened the Blu Bistrot & Rooms. The menu is inspired by her tastes, the atmosphere is a little Parisian with the geometrically patterned upholstery, modern antique furniture chosen from local markets, velvet armchairs, low marble tables and crystal chandeliers. Then you can stroll through the 16th-century meanders of the historic centre to admire portals, balconies that 'dance' around the Church of Saints Peter and Paul where the stone on which St Peter sat during his passage through Salento is kept. Galatina is also gourmand by virtue of its organic and contemporary bakeries Sette Croste and Staglio and its great classic, the cream pasticciotto.