The Nights of the Brigand Papa Ciro

A night of theater and history in the heart of Francavilla Fontana

"The Nights of the Brigand Papa Ciro" is an itinerant theatrical performance that brings the historic center of Francavilla Fontana, in the province of Brindisi, Puglia, to life every late summer. This is no ordinary stage play: the audience is invited to walk through the alleys, courtyards, and squares of the old town, following a route divided into six scenes that reconstruct the life of one of the most controversial and fascinating figures in Salento's history: the brigand priest Don Ciro Annicchiarico.

Who was Don Ciro Annicchiarico, the «brigand priest»?

Born in Grottaglie in 1775 and executed in Francavilla Fontana in 1818, Don Ciro Annicchiarico — also known as Papa Ciro or "Papa Ggiru" — was a priest who, following a tragic chain of personal and legal events, became one of the most feared brigands of the Terra d'Otranto. Accused of murder after a scandalous love affair, he escaped prison and went into hiding, eventually founding the "Decisi" sect and dominating the countryside around Francavilla for over fifteen years. His figure, suspended between historical reality and popular legend, remains deeply rooted in the local imagination today.

An itinerant show through the alleys of the old town

The re-enactment begins at Castello Imperiali, the city's iconic monument, where visitors depart in small groups at regular intervals. Along the way, approximately sixty actors and costumed extras bring the various stages of Papa Ciro's story to life, using the most evocative corners of the old town as a natural backdrop. The journey concludes in Piazza Umberto I, the beating heart of the city. This itinerant evening format turns the entire town into a sprawling stage, where theater, historical memory, and the promotion of architectural heritage blend into a unique experience.

A community project

The event is organized by the Sylva tour and Didactics Association of Alberobello, under the patronage of the Municipality of Francavilla Fontana and in collaboration with various local cultural and associative entities. The event adapts the successful "Night of the Brigands" format to the Francavilla context, combining live performance, historical storytelling, and tourism promotion for the Apulian region.

Why attend?

• An original way to discover the historic center of Francavilla Fontana and its Castello Imperiali.
• A meticulously crafted re-enactment with dozens of performers in period costumes.
• A gripping tale blending history, legend, and the brigandage of Salento.
• A free event designed for families, history buffs, and tourists alike.