Torre Santo Stefano is a coastal tower in Salento built during the course of the 16th century as a defense and lookout system to cope with the constant incursions of Saracen pirates who raged the coast in those years. In its present state Torre Santo Stefano appears to be almost completely gone, only two side walls remain, and it is located within the bay named after the tower on private property. The tower communicated to the south with the fortifications of Otranto while to the north with Torre Fiumicelli, truncated-pyramidal in shape with a curb delimiting its final part; according to some sources, Torre Santo Stefano was still intact in the years 1825-1842 to the extent 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 soars from a promontory about 13 meters high, at a distance of 30 meters from the sea. From here you can breathe 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 from Torre Santo Stefano.
Last Updated: 25/01/2023, Tonio Viva