Things to do near Country of Lecce Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Gallipoli - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

Dating back to the 17th century, it is a Baroque church named after Sant'Agata. It is located in the center of the island.

Lecce - Streets and Squares

Piazza del Duomo

It is a rare example of "enclosed square" where the baroque style is dominant and in which time ago the doors in the evening, of which are still visible impressive hubs, were shut.

Gallipoli - Fountains

Fontana greco romana

The Roman Greek Fountain dates back to the 3rd century BC although many historians believe it was built in the Renaissance age. It is located near the Gallipoli Bridge that connects the old city with the new village. The main façade is five meters high and has four caryatids supporting the lintel. In the bas-reliefs carved with local stone are represented the metamorphoses of three Greek mythological figures: Biblide, Salmace and Dirce. The other façade was used as the support of the main one depicting the carved coat of arms of Gallipoli.

Lecce - Churches and places of worship

Duomo

It was first built in 1144 and was renovated between the years 1659-70 by Giuseppe Zimbalo to whom we owe the adjacent bell tower, 70 meters high and divided into 5 floors with very slender windows.

Gallipoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dell'Orologio

An important monument of the historic center of Gallipolino is the Clock Tower. Built around the early 1700s the clock was subsequently incorporated. The structure consists of a small sailing bell tower where two bronze bells were originally placed, all surmounted by two coats of arms, the Bourbon one and that of the city of Gallipoli.

Lecce - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Carlo V

The castle of Lecce was founded in 1537 at the behest of King Charles V. The structure of the fortress was erected with military architecture techniques. It has two doors: “Royal Gate” which still allows access, and the 'False or Rescue Door' on the back side. It was founded, not only for defense but also cultural purposes, with a beautiful theater.

Gallipoli - Beaches

Spiaggia della Purità

Lecce - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Governo

The Government Palace or Palazzo dei Celestini, for three centuries the seat of the convent of the Celestine Fathers, is a Baroque monument of Lecce. The Palace is a single complex with the Basilica of Santa Croce. In 1549, following the will of Charles V to expand the walls and build a new fortress, the convent previously existing on the site was knocked down.

Gallipoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Angioino

Already built on pre-existing Roman fortifications from the eleventh century, it was rebuilt in the thirteenth century in the Byzantine era. It was remodeled several times by the conquistadors who followed one another over the centuries.

Lecce - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di Santa Croce

The interior is a Latin cross with three naves, the central one it is surmounted by a coffered ceiling in gilded walnut, the two sides are covered with vaulted ceilings and open towards seven chapels, each equipped with altars.

Porto Cesareo - Natural Areas

Area Marina Protetta

The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Natural Area is an area of the Puglia region established in 1997 by Decree 12 December 1997 of the Ministry of the Environment. It occupies an area of 16,654 ha and is the third largest extension in Italy. The area is divided into three zones with different protection regime.

Castrignano del Capo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dell'Omomorto

The Omorto Tower was used for reasons of defence from the ships of the Saracens. It was erected in 1555 by the Count of Alessano, Andrea Gonzaga. The Tower of Omorto took this name because some human bones were found inside it. The tower was abandoned in the 17th century and since then the building has not undergone any restoration.

Gallipoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Sabea

Sabea Tower or Old Tower was built between the 16th and 17th centuries with the function of defending the coast from the threats of the Saracen pirates. Located north of Gallipoli, it became a military garrison in 1570 with the task of signaling the arrival of foreign ships.

Gallipoli - Museums

Museo Civico "E. Barba"

The “E. Barba” Civic Museum was founded in 1823 by Carmine Fontò who offered the first public donation of his books. Below also the Dominican and Franciscan convents of the city donated their collections. The Museum was subsequently entrusted to Emanuele Barba who also set up a zoological cabinet there.

Gallipoli - Parks and nature reserves

Parco naturale regionale Isola di S.Andrea e litorale di Punta Pizzo

the Natural Park of Punta Pizzo Island of Sant'Andrea is located in the municipality of Gallipoli and covers an area of 685 Hectares, starting from the island of Sant'Andrea up to the suggestive coast of Punta Pizzo including the magnificent coastal stretch of Punta della Suina.

Gallipoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre San Giovanni la Pedata

Torre San Giovanni la Pedata was built around the 16th century in Lido San Giovanni di Gallipoli. From the beginning he had the function of defending the coastal stretch by the Saracen raids. It is characterized by a truncated pyramidal base ending in a square plan. It is accessed inside by a small door and consists of two floors communicating through a staircase to the wall.

Gallipoli - Beaches

Spiaggia Baia del Pizzo

Vernole - WWF Oasis

Riserva Naturale le Cesine

The Cesine Nature Reserve is a natural oasis managed by WWF Italy and is located near the coastal stretch of Vernole. Its name comes from Segine, which means abandoned area. The Reserve consists of two ponds divided by a cord of sandy dunes called Salapi and Pantano Grande. The oasis is characterized by the presence of the diving duck, called the Moriglione, which occurs in the autumn and winter months in the stagnant and brackish areas of the Reserve.

Ugento - Beaches

Spiaggia Lido sabbioso

Santa Cesarea Terme - Parks and nature reserves

Parco Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase

The Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Regional Nature Park was established in 2006. On 29 July 2008, the Consortium for the Management of the Park was established. The park covers the territory of the municipalities of Alessano, Andrano, Castrignano del Capo, Castro, Corsano, Diso, Gagliano del Capo, Ortelle, Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Tiggiano and Tricase. This also includes the area where the lighthouse of Punta Palascìa stands, the easternmost point in Italy.

Gallipoli - Beaches

Lido San Giovanni

Porto Cesareo - Parks and nature reserves

Isola dei Conigli o Isola Grande

Very close to the coast of Porto Cesareo, the Rabbit Island is easily accessible by swimming or by small boats. The islet is 400 meters wide and 2.5 km long. The island, which was known as 'Isola Grande, 'was renamed by the local inhabitants 'Isle of Rabbits' because of the ancient habit of raising colonies of rabbits in the wild.

Castrignano del Capo - Lighthouses and observation points

Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca

The lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca is located on Punta Meliso. It was designed by engineer Achille Rossi and was activated in 1866 with a fixed light system. It is about 48 m high from the base and emits three beams of light that are visible at more than 40 km. With a spiral staircase of 254 steps you can climb to the cage of the projection apparatus.

Santa Cesarea Terme - Caves

Grotta Zinzulusa

The Zinzulusa is a coastal natural cave that is located along the Salento coast between Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme. The waters in front are equipped for bathing, and highly appreciated for their cleanliness and clarity.

Nardo' - Parks and nature reserves

Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano

The Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano Regional Nature Park is a regional park in Puglia located in the province of Lecce, established in 2006. In 2007 it was included by the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) in the list of “100 places to save”. The coast is rocky and jagged and characterized by pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. Along the coast are the Torre dell'Alto, the Uluzzo Tower and the Inserraglio Tower.

Torre Lapillo - Beaches

Spiaggia Porto Cesareo

Santa Cesarea Terme - Beaches

Spiaggia le piscine di Santa Cesarea

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia Baia dell'Orte

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia Torre del Serpe

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia Marina di Otranto

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia Baia dei Turchi

The Bay of the Turks, a few kilometers north of Otranto, is the place where, according to tradition, Turkish warriors landed during the siege of the city of Otranto in the fifteenth century. Sandy and unspoiled, the bay belongs to the precious protected oasis of the Alimini Lakes, one of the most important ecosystems of Salento and Puglia.

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia Alimini

Melendugno - Beaches

Spiaggia Conca Specchiulla

San Foca - Beaches

Spiaggia San Foca

Vernole - Beaches

Spiaggia le Cesine

Otranto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Aragonese

The castle has medieval origins, but the current appearance is the result of a series of restorations carried out over the years. It is a large pentagonal plant with a defensive character. Today, it is in an excellent state of preservation. The majesty of the castle inspired the writer Horace Walpole in the creation of the first Gothic novel in the history of literature.

Porto Cesareo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Castiglione

The Castiglione Tower was built in 1568 by the master Vicenzo Pugliese. In the 16th century, he was part of the group of defensive towers. Unfortunately, during World War II, the building was knocked down so that at the moment there are only a few ruins left.

Porto Cesareo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Cesarea

The Casarea Tower is a coastal watchtower built from 1568 by Virgilio Pugliese, designed by the engineer Giovanni Tommaso Scala. The building was built with tuff blocks, has a quadrangular floor plan, and is 16 meters high. Today, the structure is the headquarters of the Guardia di Finanza.

Salve - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Pali Diroccato

Torre Pali is one of the numerous coastal watchtowers built in the 16th century by Charles V to defend the Salento territory from the invasions of the Saracen pirates. At the time of construction, the tower was on the mainland, but due to coastal erosion, it is now completely surrounded by sea waters.

Tricase - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Palane

The Palane Tower, 15 meters high, is part of the system of the watchtowers of the Salento peninsula. The structure was built in the 16th century, and has a plan with a pyramidal trunk, built with sandstone blocks.

Ugento - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Mozza Diroccato

The Mozza Tower is located in the town of Salento in the province of Lecce. The building was built in the 16th century on commission of King Charles V. During World War II, the tower was used by soldiers as a machine gun station. Over the years, this was restored.

Vernole - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Acaya

The Acaya Castle was built in around 1535 and represents an excellent military architectural example of the era of Charles V. The wall perimeter shows a rectangular shape, with a structure shaped like trapeze. The only connection system with the ground was the bridge. Inside the building a chapel was found used solely by the Baron, as well as an oven and a mill. In the 18th century the castle was destroyed by the Turks.

Vernole - Castles, palaces and mansions

Borgo Murato di Acaya

The Walled Village of Acaya, located in the town of Vernole in the province of Lecce, is part of the homonymous castle. The construction dates back to medieval times, and was modified around the middle of 1500 by the architect Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya, on commission of his father Alfonso d'Acaya. Currently it can be visited by all interested parties and tourists.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Rinalda

This tower was built in the sixteenth century by the Spanish to defend Salento from the infamous Saracen pirates. The state of conservation is very bad as the top is completely destroyed and you can see only two windows that were used as louvers. The Salento seaside resort also took its name from the tower.

Lecce - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Sant'Irene dei Teatini

Dedicated to Saint Irene, it has a grand facade and interior, with a Latin cross with a nave, it is modulated in a much more sober way than to outside .

Lecce - Museums

Pinacoteca d'Arte Francescana

The Franciscan Art Gallery is located inside Palazzo Fulgenzio that dates back to the 16th century. It is an art museum that was run by the Franciscan Friars. Currently it houses a large collection of works, a hundred sixteenth-century, seventeenth-century and eighteenth-century paintings. All the furniture in the room is very nice with furniture from the period. Admission to the art gallery is free of charge for all interested in art.

Lecce - Streets and Squares

Piazza Sant'Oronzo

It is the elegant living room of the city and it is partially occupied by the Roman Amphitheatre of the III century AD, unearthed at the beginning of the twentieth century. In the square stands the column with the statue of Sant Oronzo, protector of

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Chianca

Torre Chianca is an ancient watchtower that was built in 1569. It is majestic and 18 meters high, with sides 15.60 meters long each. This sixteenth-century tower was built by the Spanish to protect the city from attacks by Saracen pirates. The Tower is easily accessible by tourists and in an excellent state of preservation.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Napoli

Porta Napoli is a triumphal arch of Lecce, which marks the entrance to the historic center of the city. It is located in the vicinity of the square Arc de Triomphe

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Rudiae

Built on the ruins of an oldest collapsed door, the Rudiae Gate was rebuilt in 1703 by the noble Lecce Prospero Lubelli. The door consists of a single arch, flanked by two columns on each side resting on a podium and supporting a frieze.

Lecce - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Sedile

The construction dates back to the end of the 16th century on a previous building. It was built as a building for public meetings. The central part of the exterior is formed by an elegant arch above which there is a loggia with three refined arches. The volumetric shape outlined is provided by the four angular pillars. Inside it has shops that are rented by the municipal administration. The palace took on several roles over time as the seat of the City Hall, seat of the National Guard, and at the end of the nineteenth century, seat of the Civic Museum.

Lecce - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Seminario

The construction dates from 1694 to 1709 and was designed by the architect Giuseppe Cino. The exterior of the building is created from a strict order of raised tiles. Between them are two floors of eight windows with drawn frames. Inside there is the chapel that preserves the works of 1696 on canvas. On the first floor, the palace serves as a Diocesan Museum and as the Innocentian Library of the Diocesan Historical Archive.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Biagio

Porta San Biagio is one of the three gateway to the ancient nucleus of Lecce, dedicated to San Biagio. It constitutes the southern access to the ancient urban nucleus and is located near Piazza d'Italia.

Lecce - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa del Carmine

The church of Carmine, together with the adjacent convent of the Carmelites, is an architectural complex of Lecce. In 1546, following an earthquake event, the friars settled inside the church of St. Nicholas, which the Carmelites dedicated to Our Lady of Carmel. In that place they built the new monastery and later erected the current church, which began in 1711.

Lecce - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Santa Chiara

The church of Santa Chiara is located in the historic center of Lecce, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Its first foundation, commissioned by Bishop Thomas Ammirato, dates back to 1429; between 1687 and 1691 it was thoroughly restored.

Porto Cesareo - Museums

Museo di Biologia Marina

The Museum of Marine Biology in Porto Cesareo is dedicated to fauna and marine flora and its habitat. This was founded in 1966 by naturalist Pietro Parenzan, who then donated the collections to the University of Lecce in 1977.

Porto Cesareo - Parks and nature reserves

Isola della Malva

The Island of Malva, so called for the substantial presence of tree mallow, is characterized by a dry and brackish cliff, dark gray in color with numerous pools of sea water. This is within walking distance through a very low seabed, so it's worth a walk in the water to enjoy the lovely beach.

Salve - Walls, towers and gates

Masseria del Fano

The farm of Fano stands at the top of the eastern side of the Canal, a short distance from the archaeological site of the “Chiusa”. It dominates the entire area and offers panoramic views across the surrounding area.

Salve - Walls, towers and gates

Villaggio Protoappenninico di Spigolizzi

The ProtoApennine Village of Spigolizzi was created In the 15th century to defend itself against the attacks of the Turks. The Salvesi built a small but well-equipped Fortilizio, thanks to which they valiantly resisted the assaults of the Barbarian privateers.

Salve - Churches and places of worship

Cappella di Sant'Anna

The chapel of Sant'Anna, built in the late 18th century by the Alemanno family, is located on the road that connects the town to the marina of Pescoluse. It is characterized by the simple architectural lines typical of rural buildings. Inside you can admire an interesting fresco depicting Sant'Anna.

Salve - Churches and places of worship

Cappella del S.S.Crocifisso

The Chapel of the SS Crucifix was built in 1593 by Don Ferrante Delli Falconi. This is characterized by its sober architectural lines, typical of rural religious buildings. Currently, the chapel is completely bare inside.

Salve - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Madre di San Nicola Magno

The Mother Church of St. Nicholas the Great dates back to the 6th century; restored and expanded for the first time between 1577 and 1593, it assumed its present appearance in 1672. It was most likely built on the ruins of a temple dedicated to the god Janus, the ancient church, dedicated to SS. Salvatore, corresponds to the portion of the span that currently precedes the high altar.

Salve - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in the second half of the twentieth century, expanding the ancient chapel of Santa Maria. The facade, in Lecce stone, has a round arch entrance surmounted by a central rose window and a large cross. The interior houses two frescoes from the second half of the sixteenth century representing the Annunciation and the Last Judgment.

Salve - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Santu Lasi

The Church of San Biagio, locally known by the name of Santu Lasi, has a sober facade, with central portal and window, on which the coat of arms of the municipality of Salve is carved. The interior houses a stone statue of San Biagio and frescoes from various eras.

Salve - Beaches

Spiaggia di Pescoluse

Otranto - Caves

Grotta del Serpente

The most striking cave of Gargano is definitely the Cave of the Serpent, so named because, immediately after the entry you can see a sort of image that looks like a cobra carved in the onyx wall. It is located in Porto Badisco

Otranto - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Otranto

Made in the period of Norman rule, between 1080 and 1088, the Cathedral of the Annunciation with its 54 meters long and 25 meters wide, is the largest church in Puglia. In Romanesque style, the cathedral collects in its structure Norman, Arabic and Greek elements.

Otranto - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Pietro

Church of Byzantine origin which is located in the historic center of Otranto. It is one of the most representative buildings of the Byzantine mold of the South.

Otranto - Museums

Museo Civico Paleontologico

The Civic Museum of Paleontology is home to outstanding collections of prehistoric. It was founded in 1960 by the Speleological Group Salentino and is entitled to Decio de Laurentiis, who directed him until his death. The exhibition starts with the earliest evidence of life in Salento about Cretaceous era to reach up to the beginning of the Iron Age.

Gallipoli - Natural Areas

Isola di Sant'Andrea

It is completely flat and its maximum height does not exceed three meters. This feature brings the island to be swept up by the waves in case of strong wind and makes it less suitable to host a rich vegetation

Melendugno - Beaches

Spiaggia Falesie di Sant' Andrea

Otranto - Beaches

Spiaggia la Punta

Gallipoli - Beaches

Spiaggia Cotriero Beach

Gallipoli - Beaches

Spiaggia Rivabella Santu Mauru

Lecce - Beaches

Spiaggia Torre Veneri

Tricase - Beaches

Spiaggia Marina Serra

Barbarano del Capo - Churches and places of worship

Leuca Piccola

Leuca Piccola is a historical monument that belongs to the period between 1685 and 1709. It was used by pilgrims to celebrate the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca. In 1988 the building was restored by the Municipal Administration whose main purpose was to protect many details such as the frescoes that decorate the entire monument.

Gallipoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Pizzo

Lecce - Museums

Museo Missionario Cinese e di Storia Naturale

The Chinese Missionary Museum and Natural History owns various objects that the missionaries of the Friars Minor collected during their pilgrimage to the East. These are objects such as statues, tapestries, musical instruments, shells, examples of earthly fauna. Important for the enrichment of the museum is the collaboration with the University of Salento, with the WWF and the Environment League.

Gallipoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Suda

Torre Suda was built around the 16th century and its name comes from the fact that the tower, after having stopped military functions, was used as a water cistern for the inhabitants of Gallipoli. The Tower after the breathability seemed to sweat, hence the name. From this tower, the homonymous location was also named, which is a popular destination for many tourists during the summer.

Castrignano del Capo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Marchiello ruderi

The Marchiello Tower was built in 1569. The tower is also known as Torre Imbrachielli and is 12 meters high. In 1967, the tower was renovated. Currently, there are only a few remains of the tower that demonstrate its circular structure.

Castrignano del Capo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Salignano

The Tower of Salignano is located in the municipality of Castrignano del Capo, in Puglia. The building was built in 1550, for reasons of defense against pirate attacks. It has a circular structure, fifteen meters high and twenty meters wide. Recently, it has been refurbished and is used for various cultural activities.

Castrignano del Capo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Giuliano

Giuliano Castle is a building from the sixteenth century. The latter is a splendid example of a feudal castle of Salento. Even today it maintains some characteristic elements, such as the moat, a masonry bridge and the wall all around. Fortunately, it is still in good condition, damaged only in small parts and is open to the public.

Collepasso - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Baronale

The building was built at the end of 1500, by the will of Baron Pietro Barone Massa. Currently, the building is owned by the Municipality.

Corigliano d'Otranto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Corigliano

The Corigliano Castle is one of the most special architectural models found in the municipality of Corigliano d'Otranto. It was built in a quadrangular shape with four corner towers and surrounded by a deep moat. On the facade we can admire paintings by several famous people of the time. Between 1514 and 1519 the building was renovated by Giovan Battista de' Monti. In 1667 the structure passed to the Trani family who transformed it into a ducal palace.

Diso - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Lupo

The Lupo Tower is located about 105 meters above sea level, and was built at the end of the fifteenth century for reasons of defence against the Saracen attacks. The tower has a cylindrical shape, and is 7 meters high. Until 1986 the structure was in total abandonment, later it became private property. However, it is currently in a very bad state of preservation.

Galatone - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Alto Lido

The Tower of Alto Lido was built in 1565 by Viceroy Don Pietro da Toledo. Since it was about 71 meters above sea level, the tower had the function of controlling the coast. The building has a truncated conical structure, with a cylindrical plan. Inside there are two rooms and a wall staircase.

Parabita - Museums

Quadreria "E. Giannelli"

The “E. Giannelli” Quadreria is located within the rooms of Palazzo Ferrari. The museum exhibits forty-three paintings and ten sculptures. The works belong to various authors such as Vincenzo Caprile, Giuseppe Costa, Ennio Marzano, Camillo Miola etc. in this collection are located some beautiful canvases belonging to Giannelli, where they come represented the marinas of the Gulf of Naples and Salento.

Ugento - Museums

Museo Civico Archeologico "S. Zecca"

The “S. Mint” Civic Archaeological Museum is spread over two floors and welcomes rich testimonies and materials of Paleontology and Messapian civilization of the area. The most important work is represented by a faithful copy of the famous statue of Zeus, found in the 1960s in Ugento.

Parabita - Museums

Museo del Vino

The Wine Museum is located inside a millstone, built towards the end of the nineteenth century in the historic center of Parabita. The exhibition traces, through instruments and ancient objects, the cycle of wine production. You can then admire demijohns, barrels, furates, bascules and other numerous tools that are useful in winemaking.

Alessano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montesardo

The castle was built between the 15th and 16th century and is located in the oldest part of the country. The building underwent several transformations, it was first purchased by the Romasi barons, then, at a later time by the Vocationist Fathers. It is currently used as a nursing home for the elderly.

Andrano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Sasso Diroccato

The Torre del Sasso, also known as the “Tower of the Myth”, was built in the 16th century. This is a typical example of military architecture, built for defensive reasons. At the time, he had a system of cannons to warn the inhabitants of the surrounding areas in the event of danger. Currently, only the ruins are left, positioned more than 100 m above sea level.

Andrano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Masseria del Mito

The Masseria, located between Tricase and Andrano, was established in the plant of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Mito, which dates back to the 8th century. She took this function only in the '600, because of the problems she had, which forced her, later, to be desecrated. The building was badly damaged by the Turks, and as a result, today only the remaining ruins of the original plant can be admired.

Andrano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Andrano ruderi

The tower is of sixteenth-century origins and is located near the coastal area. In fact, we are talking only about what has remained from the original construction: a truncated conical structure, which at the time connected the north side with the south side.

Andrano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Spinola

The Spinola Castle dates back to the 13th century and over the years it was modified, according to the needs of the period. It is the typical example of military architecture, as it was fortified several times, but inside you can see many Baroque elements of the '700. Today it is owned by the Municipality of Andrano and headquarters of “Costa Otranto”, the Regional Natural Park.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Veneri

Torre Veneri is located along the Salento coast of the city of Lecce. It was built in the 16th century with the aim of defending the city from attacks by the Saracens. The tower is also built on two floors, on the ground floor there is a cistern and a stone staircase. The tower deserves to be seen, especially since it is a beautiful example of construction from the 16th century.

Porto Cesareo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Chianca

Torre Chianca is an ancient sixteenth-century tower built by the Spanish to defend Salento from attacks by Saracen pirates. Its construction began in 1569, and became one of the most impressive on the whole coast of Salento.

Porto Cesareo - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Lapillo

Torre Lapillo or Torre di San Tommaso is a watchtower recently restored among the largest in the territory. This has a square base structure and an access staircase with three arches below, of which the last one added only recently: the staircase ended with a drawbridge.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Specchiolla

Torre Specchiolla was built to defend itself against the attacks of the Saracens around the 16th century. It has two floors and has a square base structure in a truncated pyramidal shape. It is located on the cliff of Casalabate, very close to Lecce. Fortunately, today it is well preserved and this allows tourists to admire it in all its splendor.

Leverano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Federico II Leverano

The Frederick II Tower has a quadrangular structure and is 28.65 meters high. The tower consists of four floors, divided by three floors. Inside is the coat of arms with three shields and the weapon of the D'Anjou.

Melendugno - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di San Foca

The tower of San Foca was built in 1568 by Antonio Saponaro, for defensive reasons against Turkish invasions. The building has a square base structure. After some restorations, today, the tower is home to the Harbor Authority.

Melendugno - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Roca Vecchia ruderi

The Tower of Roca Vecchia is located in the Municipality of Melendugno, province of Lecce. Currently, the building is in a very bad state of preservation. There is only part of the walls left of the structure.

Melendugno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Petraroli

The Castle was built around the fifteenth century at the behest of Baron Gaspare Petraroli of Ostuni. He had this building built after Ferdinand of Aragon gave him the city. Overall, it is a modest, not imposing construction that looks more like a residential building. It is currently in good condition and you can still see its original form.

Melendugno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello d'Amely

The Castle of Amely was built on the edge of an ancient city wall by the architect Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya, at the behest of Pompeo Paladini, around the 16th century. Fortunately, it still retains its original shape and is in excellent condition. Today it is open to the public.

Morciano di Leuca - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Vado

The Vado Tower was erected in the 16th century by Charles V, for reasons of defending the Salento territory from the invasion of pirates. The tower has an access staircase and is divided on two floors with slits on the top.

Morciano di Leuca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Morciano

The construction of the castle of Morciano di Leuca was wanted by Gualtieri VI of Brienne. Its realization dates back to the first half of the fourteenth century. It is a sturdy structure, equipped with high walls and four towers arranged at the corners with a quadrangular shape. In the large courtyard, inside the castle, you can glimpse the premises of the various floors.

Otranto - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Alfonsina

Porta Alfonsina was built during the fifteenth century as part of the city walls. It was commissioned by Alfonso of Aragon, from whom it also took its name. His is a polygonal structure, and it was built to defend the city from possible enemy attacks. Today, the building is in a good state of preservation.

Soleto - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Vito

The Porta San Vito was erected during the fourteenth century for reasons of defending the ancient city of Soleto. The structure is surmounted by a statue of the Madonna in stone. Today, the door is in excellent condition.

Torre Lapillo - Fountains

Fontana della Poesia

The Fountain of Poetry is recently built, in fact, dates back to 1993. It was built by the Pro Loco of Porto Cesareo and by the locals, who expressed the desire to have an easily accessible meeting place. At the center of the fountain is a bronze statue dedicated to a muse of poetry. It is enriched by a beautiful play of light present in the structure, and can be appreciated especially in the evening.

Tricase - Monumental Trees

La Quercia Vallonea

The Quercia Vallonea di Tricase is located in the beautiful area of Salento. He is 600 years old and is among the oldest specimens in Europe. Various stories and legends were born around the oak tree. It is one of the places of particular interest for tourists visiting this area.

Galatina - Monuments

Basilica Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

The Franciscan Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, today a national monument: it was commissioned and made by Raimondello Orsini del Balzo and consecrated in 1391.

Gallipoli - Beaches

Lido le Canne

Tricase - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Tutino

The Castle of Tutino was built in 1580, by Don Luigi Trane. Originally, the castle had nine towers, of which today only five are left. Currently, the best preserved part is the back, the one facing east. The structure passed into the hands of several owners, the last were the Caputo, who allocated space for tobacco processing until the sixties of the last century.

Lecce - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Parco

Located in the heart of Lecce, it is one of the most symbolic monuments of the city of the of medieval and Renaissance period. The tower, more than 23 meters high and built on three levels, is surrounded by a moat in which were bred bears.

Morciano di Leuca - Caves

Grotta Porcinara

The Porcinara Grotto is a non-natural cave in which a wall structure has been found. It is divided into three large rooms and on the walls there are Greek or Latin epigraphic testimonies that address Jupiter or the goddess of Fortune. The Porcinara cave can be accessed on land through a path or by sea through steps carved in the rock.

Marina di Leuca - Caves

Grotta del Diavolo

The Devil's Cave was so named because in it the echo of the sea that the popular belief attributed to the devil was heard. It is accessible from the sea and from land and even here in recent times tools and weapons dating back to the Neolithic period have been brought to light.

Marina di Leuca - Caves

Grotta dei Giganti

The Grotto of the Giants, so called because in it were found remains of pachyderms and other archaeological finds such as human bones, Byzantine shards and bronze coins. Legend has it that the bodies of the giants killed by Libyan Hercules were buried in it.

Melendugno - Caves

Grotta Marina "Poesia Piccola"

In the sea cave called Poesia Piccola, the ancient temple of the god Thaotor Andiras, numerous rock inscriptions have been discovered in Messapian, Greek and Latin languages.

Melendugno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello D'Amely

The Baronial Palace D'Amely, also called castle, looks like a large tower built in the second half of the 16th century on commission of Pompeo Paladini, seventh baron of Melendugno and Lizzanello. Access to the property was possible through a drawbridge. With the advent of the Barons D'Amely, the drawbridge was replaced with a masonry one surmounted by the noble emblem: two lions supporting a crenellated tower on their backs. Above the coat of arms stands the statue of the Immaculate Madonna.

Melendugno - Churches and places of worship

Abbazia di San Niceta

The Abbey of San Niceta is located in Melendugno in the province of Lecce. It is dedicated to Saint Niceta a martyr, protector of Melendugno, who was burned for his Catholic faith on the orders of the Aryan king Athanaric.

Cavallino - Archaeological Sites

Menhir di Ussano

The Menhir di Ussano, within the competence of the municipality of Cavallino, is 5 km from the town. The term menhir, of Breton origin, is obtained from the union of the words' men 'and' hir ', i.e. 'long stone'. This is 2.50 m tall and octagonal.

Cavallino - Archaeological Sites

Specchia Sentina

The Bilge Mirror, is a megalithic monument present within the Messapian settlement. Among the many mirrors existing in the Cavallinese territory, this is the most important in size. Its function is that of defense and vigilance and takes its name from the Latin verb speculor which means “observing around”. The large pile has elliptical base and a height of 3 meters.

Cavallino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace or Castromedian-Limburg Castle is a construction from the second half of the 15th century. The interior, characterized by an atrium in which there is a statue in Lecce stone depicting the founder of the Castromediano family, houses vast rooms decorated with architectural elements typical of the Baroque period. Of particular artistic value are the gallery, whose cross vault is enriched by the symbols of the zodiac, the arms room and the living room.

Porto Cesareo - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa della Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso

The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is located in front of the Caesarea Tower and was erected in 1880. The building looks like a church with typical Mediterranean colors and is located on the seafront a few meters from the beautiful Ionian Sea. This is characterized by essential architectural lines and houses two papier-mache statues: the statue of Saint Caesarea and that of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the patroness of the country.

Porto Cesareo - Museums

Museo Talassografico

The Thalassographic Museum contains a malacological collection, a herbarium and rare fish species.

Porto Cesareo - Parks and nature reserves

Riserva Naturale Orientata Regionale "Palude del Conte e Duna costiera"

The Regional Oriented Nature Reserve “Palude del Count and Coastal Dune of Porto Cesareo” extends entirely throughout the coastal territory of the homonymous municipality for 898.29 ha total.

Porto Cesareo - Beaches

Spiaggia di Punta Prosciutto

Porto Cesareo - Beaches

Spiaggia di Torre Chianca

Lecce - Beaches

spiaggia di Acaya

Gagliano del Capo - Natural Areas

Canalone del Ciolo

Gagliano del Capo - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Matrice di Gagliano del Capo