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Fasano is a town in the province of Brindisi. It has about 40.000 inhabitants and it marks the border between the Altosalento and the province of Bari, 111 meters above sea level. It has the same distance (approximately 50 km) from three of the provincial capitals in Puglia, namely Bari, Taranto and Brindisi.

The name Fasano probably derives from the “Faso”, large wild dove (also represented on the coat of arms) which drunk from the foggie, which was a type of swamp formed from the water which flowed down from the surrounding hills. This area where the pool once was is now a communal garden.

The coat of arms is surrounded by the Maltese Cross, because the town for centuries was the centre of the Order of the Knights of Malta. In the centre there is the wild dove, the “Fano” with a golden star on top of it, as a symbol of good luck.

Local inhabitants are referred to as fasanesi.

HISTORY
The town of Fasano was born after the town of Egnazia was abandoned and its population moved to that area. Egnazia was an important centre in the Roman Age situated on the Via Appia-Traiana, the most important road transport in that time. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Egnazia slowly lost its importance, Its inhabitants moved to different rural area, thus building other town. In one of this rural area, the Casale di S. Maria de Fajano, the modern town of Fasano was taking shape. In the XIV century Fasano became fief of the Knights of Malta. On 2nd June 1678 the population won heroically against the Turks. Every year the town remembers that date with an historical commemoration called “La Scamiciata”. In 1799 Fasano was part of the Neapolitan Republic. Currently Fasano is a popular touristic destination.

MONUMENTS AND SIGHTS OF INTEREST
• The minaret of Fasano
• The Old Town
• Il torrione delle Fogge
• Montalbano Dolmen
• Archaeological Park of Gnatia
• Il Tempietto di Seppannibale
• Le Masserie
• Fasano Zoo Safari
• Savelletri
• Torre Canne
• San Giovanni Battista’s Church
• Sant'Antonio Abate’s Church