Torre Specchia Ruggeri, Coastal tower in Melendugno, Italy
Torre Specchia Ruggeri is a square stone tower standing about 5 meters above sea level on a cliff along Puglia's Adriatic coast. A two-story addition from the 19th century expanded the original structure and altered its appearance.
The tower was built in the 16th century as a military lookout against Turkish and Saracen raids from the Mediterranean. Such structures formed part of a coastal defense network against sea attacks.
The name comes from the Latin word specula, meaning a high vantage point with far-reaching views across the land. Today you can still sense why this elevated location was chosen for watching over the coast.
The tower sits near a child-friendly beach with environmental certifications. The area is easy to access and offers clear views across the Adriatic Sea.
The tower exchanged visual signals with Torre San Cataldo to the north and Torre San Foca to the south until operations stopped in the 1980s. This signal network was vital for monitoring the coast.
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