Torre Santo Stefano is a coastal tower in the Salento region built during the 16th century as a defence and sighting system to cope with the constant incursions of Saracen pirates that raged the coastline in those years. In its present state, Torre Santo Stefano has almost completely disappeared; only two side walls remain and it is located inside the bay named after the tower on private property. The tower communicated to the south with the fortifications of Otranto and to the north with Torre Fiumicelli, a truncated-pyramid shape with a curb delimiting its final part; according to some sources, Torre Santo Stefano was still intact in the years 1825-1842, so much so that it was used by the Customs Guards; during World War II it was unfortunately damaged inexorably by bombing. What remains of this magnificent example of a coastal tower rises from a promontory some 13 metres high, at a distance of 30 metres from the sea. From here one can breathe in an air of absolute relaxation in close contact with the surrounding nature, as well as admire a splendid panorama that frames the entire bay. Although a few carparo stones remain as evidence of a distant past, the place deserves all our consideration, have a good summer at Torre Santo Stefano.
Last update: 25/01/2023, Tonio Viva