Torre Suda
Welcome to Torre Suda
Hello everyone, today I will talk about Torre Suda, a small hamlet of Racale, located in the beautiful province of Lecce, in southern-western Salento. This locality is famous for its coastal tower, built in the fifteenth century as a defense against Turkish invasions.
But Torre Suda is not only history and culture, it is also a highly sought after tourist destination in summer, thanks to its small natural coves and the crystal-clear waters of the Salento Ionian Sea. Furthermore, you can admire the beautiful Moorish-style villas built by wealthy families of Racale in the 1900s.
But let's talk about the church, located in front of the San Marco square and dedicated to the B.V. Maria Stella del Mare. Recently, it was elected as the parish church and its festival is held on the first Sunday after Ferragosto, with the traditional Cuccagna at sea in the so-called "Canale t'urpe" (Fox Channel).
The Coastal Tower
The tower of Torre Suda is an architectural wonder that tells the history of this hamlet to visitors and tourists. Built to defend against Turkish raiders in the sixteenth century, this circular-shaped tower, 13.5 meters high, is equipped with a sloping base and topped with small corbels. At the top, you will find a machicolation and the watchman's hut.
A staircase leads to the portcullis of the first floor, where we find an octagonal room with a segmented vault. The base of the tower, on the other hand, houses a cistern. The tower of Torre Suda communicated visually to the south with Torre Sinfonò, in the municipality of Alliste, and to the north with Torre del Pizzo, in the municipality of Gallipoli.
Conclusions
In conclusion, if you love nature, history, and culture, Torre Suda is an unmissable stop for your visit to Puglia. You can admire the majestic coastal tower, enjoy the crystal-clear sea, and visit the small church dedicated to B.V. Maria Stella del Mare. Do not miss the patronal festival with the traditional Cuccagna at sea in the so-called "Canale t'urpe" (Fox Channel), it will be a unique and unforgettable experience. Come and discover Torre Suda, you won't regret it!
