In the quiet streets of Sternatia, a small town steeped in Greek and Byzantine heritage, the Renaissance cloister of the Convento dei Domenicani opens its arched porticoes for a journey into the past. The presentation of Dove il Silenzio Custodisce invites visitors to explore the intrigues and hidden stories of 19th-century Terra d'Otranto, a literary landscape where silence itself becomes a keeper of secrets. Part of the La Civetta sul Pozzo cultural series, this evening weaves together history, narrative, and the unique atmosphere of a centuries-old monastery courtyard.
A Cloister That Whispers History
The Chiostro dei Domenicani is far more than a backdrop—it is a character in its own right. Vaulted arches frame the sky, stone columns bear the marks of centuries, and the faint scent of jasmine drifts through the evening air. This Dominican convent, now a cultural hub, has witnessed generations of monastic life, community gatherings, and quiet contemplation.
As dusk settles over Sternatia, the cloister transforms into an open-air salon, where the boundaries between past and present blur. The acoustics are intimate, the light soft, and the setting invites you to slow down and listen—qualities that mirror the book's own themes of silence and memory.
Stories from the Terra d'Otranto
The novel at the heart of the evening delves into the social fabric of 19th-century Puglia, a time when feudal structures, family loyalties, and unspoken codes governed daily life. The Terra d'Otranto—historically the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula—was a crossroads of Greek, Byzantine, and Latin influences, and its stories are layered with complexity and nuance.
Attendees will hear directly from the author, who draws on archival research, oral histories, and local lore to reconstruct a world where silence often spoke louder than words. Expect insights into the writing process, the challenges of historical fiction, and the ways contemporary readers can connect with the dilemmas of another era.
What to Expect from the Evening
- Author readings and Q&A — hear excerpts brought to life in the cloister's evocative acoustics
- Discussion of local history — explore how the Terra d'Otranto's unique identity shaped its literature
- Informal conversation — mingle with other literature lovers, historians, and curious locals
- Atmospheric setting — experience the cloister by evening light, when shadows play across ancient stone
- Connection to place — deepen your understanding of Sternatia's role in the broader cultural mosaic of Puglia
Combining Literature with Local Discovery
Sternatia is a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the Greek-speaking villages of southern Puglia, known collectively as the Grecia Salentina. The town's bilingual street signs, Byzantine frescoes, and traditional pizzica music make it a cultural gem. After the presentation, consider a leisurely walk through the historic center, where Baroque balconies overhang narrow lanes and family-run trattorias serve ciceri e tria and roasted lamb.
Nearby, the coastal towns of Otranto and Castro offer dramatic clifftop views and crystalline swimming coves, while the inland hillsides are dotted with ancient olive groves and dry-stone walls. Pairing a literary evening with a morning hike or a seaside lunch creates a richer sense of place—one where words and landscape echo each other.