Racale: Discover History, Coastline and Landscapes

Racale combines architectural heritage with landscapes, coastal areas and traces of rural life. The town's themes include medieval and Baroque architecture, stone monuments, views across the plain and coastal flora.

Castle and Churches between the Middle Ages and the Baroque Period

The Castello Baronale is part of the town's history. The oldest surviving section is attributed to Puccio Tolomei, who probably had the castle built. The building preserves an old square layout with four-sided towers. Parking is available near the Castello Baronale.

The churches of Racale also show how different periods come together in the townscape. The Chiesa di Santa Maria la Nova and the former Benedictine monastery beside it date from the period between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria de' Paradiso combines medieval remains with 18th-century stucco work, Baroque paintings and marble altars. It was probably built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The façade is made entirely of Lecce stone and stands beside a 16th-century bell tower.

Stone, Views and Coastal Flora

Among the area's older monuments is the Dolmen Ospina. It consists of large limestone slabs arranged along a rectangular layout. The dolmen is located in Contrada Ospina on Strada Provinciale 222 in Racale, 73055. The Menhir Castelforte is located in the Villaggio di Castelforte on the border between Racale and Taviano and can be visited there.

The Specchia Li Specchi is a semi-conical mound of stones associated with the historical observation of the area and the coast. From there, the view extends from Gallipoli to Marina di Alliste and across the plain of Racale.

In Torre Suda, the natural surroundings reveal a different aspect. The coastal flora at Gariga Costiera includes salt-tolerant plants and Mediterranean maquis, which form a garigue. The rare Salento endemic plant Anthyllis hermanniae also grows there. For walks and cycling tours, a cycle and pedestrian path runs along the waterfront road of Torre Suda, Marina di Racale, connecting the settlements in the area as far as Torre San Giovanni.

Explore Local History Independently

Another historical topic is the Caseddhi. In winter, they served as storage for agricultural equipment, and in summer, as accommodation for families working in the fields.

The I.A.T. Racale and Pro Loco provide information about local historical and artistic tours, events, exhibitions, as well as visits and excursions organized on site.

More Destinations

As additional destinations, you can include Sannicola, Andrano, Galugnano, Porto Badisco, Fontanelle, San Cassiano, Uggiano La Chiesa and Torre Dell'orso in your broader travel plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Lecce.