Marittima between Towers, Religious Buildings and Adriatic Views

Towers, Paths and Views over the Adriatic

An old road leads from the historic center of Marittima through a rocky area with dovecotes and dry-stone walls to Torre Lupo. It ends on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic coast. Torre Lupo is one of the oldest coastal towers in Salento and dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The route is particularly interesting if you would like to combine historic architecture with the landscape between the town center and the coast.

Distinctive Buildings in the Town

Torre di Alfonso is considered the largest, most important and most ornate of Marittima’s towers. Its upper façade features a cornice and a balcony. These clear architectural details in particular make the tower a striking part of the townscape.

The Santuario di Santa Maria Costantinopoli is a Franciscan-style building dating from 1610. Inside, it has a crucifix altar made of Lecce stone in 1691, an icon niche, two sacristy doors and an ornately designed portal. Thus, within a single religious building, both its historical dating and special decorative details take center stage.

Near Torre di Alfonso, the only surviving underground olive mill from the 17th century has been preserved. It formed part of an earlier network beneath the historic town center. The Colonna dell’Osanna in Marittima is also part of the townscape: a Lecce stone column topped with a cross, erected in 1620.

For practical planning with different mobility needs, the Chiesa Parrocchiale is also relevant: it is wheelchair accessible.

Destinations in the Nearby and Wider Area

The Museo Naturalistico Marittima, a museum, is located near Marittima. The Castello di Castro, a castle, is also nearby. The area is additionally home to Palazzo Sticchi, a palace, and Castello dei Gallone, a castle. These different types of buildings complement Marittima’s towers and religious buildings with further cultural destinations.

The selection extends beyond the town in terms of landscape as well. Grotta Zinzulusa is a cave near Marittima. Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano is a beach in the area around Marittima. Further afield in the region are Spiaggia di Cala Casotto and Spiaggia di Porto Grande, both beaches.

Fig Products at a Local Festival

The Festa della Fica originated in 2000 as a local festival launched by residents of Marittima. At the Festa della Fica, visitors can sample fig products such as dried figs, candied figs, jams, sweet treats and taralli. The festival therefore offers you a direct introduction to a regional food culture in which the fig takes center stage in several forms.

Further Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to combine Marittima with other destinations, here are further places within the same broader destination: Vernole, Vignacastrisi, Torre Saracena, San Cataldo, Casarano, Montesano Salentino, San Cesario Di Lecce, Porto Badisco.

To the broader travel overview: Lecce.