Ciceroni and Community Guardians

Fund for the financing of projects and activities of general interest in the Third Sector (articles 72 and 73 of Legislative Decree no. 117/2017) - Puglia Social Capital 3.0 Notice Line A (Projects) - "Ciceroni and Community Guardians" (CUP B95I23000400009) Project funded by the Puglia Region with state resources from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.

THE PROJECT

“Ciceroni and Community Guardians” is a project conceived by Pro Loco Ugento e Marine, winner of the public call “Puglia Capitale Sociale 3.0”.

Aimed at the 10-30 age group, the project aims to implement widespread actions for the protection, enhancement, and promotion of the Ugento territory, with young people as protagonists.

Participants will engage in a comprehensive program of multidisciplinary workshops, encompassing creative writing, advanced communication techniques, photography, videomaking, regional history, environmental studies, cultural heritage preservation, theatrical performance, public speaking, fine arts, and traditional gastronomy. This curriculum aims to foster the collaborative development of a shared territorial narrative, thereby preparing participants to serve as dedicated sentinels. In this capacity, they will be called upon to “adopt” designated public spaces (the Presidi of Public Beauty), to ensure their meticulous care, and to effectively articulate their cultural and communal importance.

The workshops are accompanied by thematic meetings and events to raise awareness about active citizenship, legality, environmental education, and knowledge of Ugento’s tangible and intangible heritage.

A key unifying factor across these initiatives is the establishment of a digital editorial team. This team will narrate the project’s story, primarily via the “Ciceroni e custodi di comunità” blog and dedicated YouTube, Instagram and Facebook channels, showcasing textual and multimedia content collaboratively developed by participants during expert-led workshops.

SUPPORTED BY

IN COLLABORATION WITH

INITIATIVES

How many ways can a territory be described?

Embark on an extensive journey exploring Ugento’s rich culture, vibrant traditions, and profound history. This discovery unfolds through engaging multidisciplinary workshops, diverse events, and compelling community narratives, fostering a deep appreciation for its heritage and rekindling a connection to the land.

Community Guardians

Wonderful Ugento – Walking Tour and Historical Reenactment

The summer series returns to discover places and stories in

16/08/2025

A Chessboard on the sea

An adventure at Torre San Giovanni port, featuring pirate stories and ancient maps

WATCH THE VIDEO

Three Oddities in Ugento Cathedral

Giant stamps, burnt paintings and strange aliens: an unmissable tour of this extraordinary church

WATCH THE VIDEO

Discover the Territory

This section provides contents and videos for exploring a lesser-known Ugento, rich with anecdotes and local narratives.

We invite you to experience its streets, public squares, and meet its key figures firsthand.

GUARDIANS OF PUBLIC BEAUTY

A ‘Presidio’ (outpost/stronghold) acts as a beacon, illuminating reality. Like a watchtower, it’s where one stands guard and takes action to defend the territory.

For us, the Presidi of Public Beauty are precisely that: catalysts for active citizenship and physical spaces that embody the spirit of the community of Ugento, deserving protection and enhancement

Spanning the historic center, the village, natural landscapes, and the urban outskirts, we have identified six ‘Presidi of Public Beauty’. We’ve enthusiastically embraced the challenge of bringing these spaces to life through a rich program of cultural events, performances, reflective discussions, engaging dialogues, and collaborative maintenance and beautification initiatives.

This is how an unusual map of Ugento is born: here, community “Ciceroni” (guides) become guardians, active sentinels who care for these places and team up to tell their story of beauty.

Discover the Presidi:

PODCAST

Astonishment, enchantment, imagination in a podcast written and performed by young people who participated in creative writing and expressive reading workshops, with the technical support of RacaleCam.

“Wonderful Ugento” offers an unusual and narrative map to explore the Ugento area with a new perspective. Far from classic tourist guides, a journey into beauty. Among castles and secret passages, sea and legends.

Listen to the episodes, begin the journey.