In Ruffano, in the southern part of Puglia, culture often happens in the quiet rooms of a town library. This time the spotlight falls on the land itself: Stefano Calò presents his book “Paesaggio di pietra. Archeologia del rupestre nelle Serre Salentine”, joined by experts in the field.
A landscape read through its stone
Some books ask you to look at the countryside differently. This one invites you to see the limestone hills, hollows and rock faces of the Serre as an archive written in stone.
The subject is rock archaeology: the traces people carved into or out of the rock over the centuries. It is a theme that sits close to everyday life here, even when we drive past it without noticing.
Why the “Equilibri” series suits it
The evening is part of the Equilibri series, a cycle of meetings that gives space to ideas and local voices. A book about the balance between human settlement and a rugged natural setting fits that spirit well.
Expect a conversation rather than a lecture. With specialists taking part, the presentation can open up questions about how we study, protect and tell the story of these places.
What the evening feels like
A municipal library has its own atmosphere: shelves, warm light, chairs set in a half-circle, a room where people lean in to listen. It is an intimate setting, ideal for those who like to ask questions at the end.
- Intimate, unhurried pace, far from the summer crowds of the coast
- Expert voices who can place the book in its wider scientific context
- Time to talk with the author and fellow readers after the presentation
- A chance to discover the cultural side of Ruffano beyond its festivals
Tips for making the most of it
Arrive a little early to find a good seat and browse the library. If you enjoy the subject, plan to turn the evening into a small journey of discovery.
Curious readers, couples looking for something different to do after dinner and solo visitors who enjoy thoughtful company will all feel at home. No specialist background is needed, just curiosity about the land beneath your feet.
Extend the experience in the Serre
The next day, take what you heard and head out. The hills around Ruffano, the villages nearby and the country lanes between olive groves and dry-stone walls make a natural open-air companion to the book.
Go slowly, look at the rock faces and the stone walls, and remember that in this corner of Puglia the landscape is never just a backdrop. It is part of the story.