Ugento is a town and comune in Italy. It has a small harbour, and is situated in the province of Lecce, in Apulia, on the Gulf of Taranto (Ionian Sea). It includes the frazioni of Gemini and Torre San Giovanni. The city is the ancient Uxentum, and claims to have been founded by Uxens, who is mentioned in the Eighth Book of the Æneid. In ancient times it was an important city. In 1537 it was sacked by the Turks. Under Byzantine domination it had Greek bishops. Economy is mostly based on agriculture (wine and olives), fishing, shepherding, food processing and tourism.