Tortora between Antiquity, the Old Town and the Coast

Tortora reveals its history not through a single building, but through a succession of hills, historic centre, coast and regional food culture. This creates a destination where you can combine ancient traces, church architecture, the sea and the Zafarana tradition. The town is particularly well suited to travel plans in which culture and landscape stand on an equal footing.

Antiquity at Palecastro and the Museum in the Centre

The Palecastro hill in Tortora overlooks the Gulf of Policastro. The Roman colony of Blanda Julia was founded on this hill. Archaeological excavations on Palecastro reconstructed the settlement's development from the 6th century BC to the 5th century AD. The excavations therefore document the development of a settlement over several centuries.

In the historic centre stands Palazzo Casapesenna, a 16th-century building. The Museo Archeologico di Blanda is housed in this palazzo. The museum displays archaeological finds recovered since 1990. In this way, a historic building and tangible evidence of Tortora's long settlement history come together in the centre.

Churches, Monastery and Historic Houses

Palazzo Feudale stands on Corso Via Garibaldi together with a medieval tower. The Chiesa delle Anime del Purgatorio is considered the oldest church in Tortora. The Franciscan monastery of Tortora, a monumental complex dating from the 16th century, includes the Church of SS. Annunziata and a cloister. The Chiesa Madre was built in the 14th century and expanded around the 18th century. The buildings therefore span a historical period ranging from medieval traces to later extensions.

Torre Nave is a 16th-century coastal defence tower near the Noce River; large sections of its surrounding walls are still visible. In Contrada Pergolo in Tortora Marina, the remains of a Roman mausoleum can be seen.

The Coast and Landscape of Tortora

A large part of Tortora's territory lies within Pollino National Park. On the coast, Spiaggia di Tortora Marina has a narrow shoreline of pebbles, dark sand, stones in the water and small pebbles along the shore. The sea is considered clear and displays shades ranging from turquoise to cobalt blue. If, for your trip to Italy, you are weighing up nature, coastal scenery and historic sites, Tortora offers a variety of landscape impressions.

The Zafarana Tradition and the Borgo Antico

Zafarana di Tortora is part of the local food culture. Its cultivation tradition in the growing area dates back to the late 16th to early 17th century. A guided tour through the Borgo Antico di Tortora explores the old town and ends with a tasting of Zafarana. The Zafarana Festival includes stalls, tastings, workshops, music and performances. Tortora can therefore also be discovered through flavour, craftsmanship and community events.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

More destinations for your travel plans: San Lucido, Oriolo, Intavolata, San Lorenzo Bellizzi, Spezzano Albanese, Diamante, Scarcelli, Cirella

To the overarching travel overview: Cosenza.