Ururi is a charming town of Albanian origin located on the border with Puglia, characterized by a rich historical heritage and lively traditions. The name “Ururi” is believed to derive from “Aurora,” a farmhouse whose exact location remains unknown, but it is assumed to have been near an ancient Benedictine monastery dedicated to Santa Maria, located in the upper part of the current historic center.
The Albanian community settled in Ururi shortly before 1500, and this migration may have influenced the name of the town. The importance of these roots is evident in the language spoken by the inhabitants, Arberesh, a form of Albanian that has been preserved mainly in oral form.
One of the main places of interest is the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, dating back to 1026. After the earthquake of 1456, it was rebuilt in 1718 and consecrated in 1730. The church has a monumental baroque façade, divided into three sectors, with pilasters and Ionic capitals. Originally a single nave, the interior has been modified over the years, but still retains elements of white stucco.
The patronal feast of Ururi, dedicated to the Holy Wood of the Cross, is a very heartfelt event. Every May 3, the Carrese takes place, a traditional race with carts pulled by oxen, which travel a distance of about 4 km. The participating carts, the Giovanotti (yellow-red), Fedayn (yellow-green) and the Giovani (white-light blue), compete to be the first to arrive in town, with the winner having the honor of carrying the Holy Wood of the Cross the following day.
Ururi is also known as the “city of oil,” thanks to its important production of olives. The local cuisine is rich in typical dishes, many of which have Albanian names. Among these are Tumacë, a pasta similar to tagliatelle, Pampanella, Torcinelli (lamb rolls), Poprati, a leavened cake, and Karanjullat, fried Christmas cakes with honey. These culinary specialties reflect Albanian cultural roots and contribute to Ururi’s charm.