In the heart of San Gregorio, a small town in southern Puglia, Piazza Valiani transforms into an open-air stage for an evening dedicated to the best of Italian music. The trio Le 13 Le Tre Donne Chitarriste brings a fresh, all-female energy to classic Italian songs, their three guitars weaving harmonies that echo off the historic stone facades surrounding the square.
When Three Guitars Tell a Story
The trio's repertoire spans decades of Italian songwriting, from beloved folk melodies to contemporary favorites, all reimagined through the lens of acoustic guitar artistry. Each musician brings her own interpretive voice, creating a layered sound that feels both intimate and expansive. The absence of amplification in the square's natural acoustics means every note, every pause, carries weight and intention.
The concert title, Il Mio Canto Libero, nods to the freedom of song—and these three artists embody that spirit. Their interplay is conversational, playful, technically precise yet emotionally generous. You'll hear strings ring out in unison, then peel away into countermelodies that surprise and delight.
The Square as Stage
Piazza Valiani isn't just a venue; it's the town's living room. Locals bring folding chairs, children run between the benches, and the scent of jasmine drifts in from nearby gardens. The square's central fountain provides a gentle backdrop of water sounds, blending with the music. As the sun sets, warm light bathes the ochre buildings, and by the time the first song begins, streetlamps cast a soft glow over the crowd.
San Gregorio itself is a quiet gem, a stone's throw from the more bustling coastal towns yet refreshingly unhurried. This concert is a chance to see the town at its most vibrant, when residents and visitors gather for something simple and profound: shared music in a shared space.
What to Bring and When to Arrive
Arrive early to claim a spot close to the musicians—the square fills quickly on concert nights. Bring a light sweater; even summer evenings can carry a breeze once the sun dips below the roofline. If you're visiting from nearby Patù or the Ionian coast, the drive takes only a few minutes through olive groves and low stone walls.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to find a good seat and soak in the pre-concert atmosphere
- Bring a cushion or light blanket if you plan to sit on the stone steps
- Stay after the concert—locals often linger in the square, and nearby bars serve caffè corretto and local sweets
- Combine your visit with a walk through the town's narrow streets, where murals and historic doorways tell their own stories
- Check the event's social channels for updates on start time and any weather-related changes
Beyond the Concert
San Gregorio sits in a network of small towns rich with Baroque architecture, olive mills, and family-run trattorias. If you have time before or after the concert, explore the nearby sanctuary at Leuca or the coastal caves at Ciolo, both within a fifteen-minute drive. The concert draws a warm, intergenerational crowd—couples stroll hand in hand, groups of friends settle in with wine, solo travelers find easy conversation with neighbors. It's an evening that celebrates not just music, but the Italian art of gathering.