The Orte Tower is a coastal tower in Salento and is part of the complex defense and watchtower system erected during the 16th century to defend the Salento coasts from the continuous incursions of Saracen pirates who raged the coasts in those years. The Orte Tower, unlike the other towers in this area that are spherical in shape and classified as the "Otranto series," is in a truncated pyramidal shape with a curb delimiting its final part; the tower communicated to the north with the Torre del Serpe while to the south with Torre Palascia, which has practically disappeared today. The Orte Tower towers on a high promontory about 100 meters from the sea, and from here one can enjoy a wonderful panorama as well as breathe in clean air being completely immersed in the surrounding nature. In 1826 this coastal tower was incorporated into the Masseria dell"Orte where it served as a warehouse, today the ruin is on private property and is being restored. The Torre dell"Orte from the top of its position dominates the entire picturesque bay and the historical testimony combined with the surrounding landscape produces a respectable glance so if you decide to drop by Otranto don"t forget to visit the Torre dell"Orte...have a good summer.
Last Updated: 12/01/2023, Tonio Viva