Torre Uluzzo, Renaissance coastal tower in Nardò, Italy

Torre Uluzzo is a coastal stone tower standing on a rocky outcrop along the Ionian coast, built with irregular blocks that form its outer walls. The structure has lost its roof over time, leaving the interior open to the sky and elements.

Torre Uluzzo was built in the second half of the 16th century on the orders of Alfonzo de Salazar by the Nardò master builder Leonardo Spalletta, and was already finished in 1575. It was part of a coastal defence line, communicating north with Torre dell'Inserraglio and south with Torre dell'Alto. Documents show it was still frequented until 1695, and by the 18th century it was already badly damaged. The ruin was restored and made safe in 2020.

Locally the tower is also called Crustano, a name that survives alongside Torre Uluzzo. It stood within the coastal watch system of the Salento, keeping contact north with Torre dell'Inserraglio and south with Torre dell'Alto, and documents record it as still frequented until 1695.

The tower is reached via a dirt path from the coastal road between Santa Caterina and Sant'Isidoro, marked by prickly pear cacti and stone walls along the way. The terrain is rural and exposed to wind, so sturdy shoes and sun protection are recommended for the walk.

The tower's name, Crustano, appears in documents noting it was still visited until 1695; by the 18th century it was already described as badly damaged. It kept contact north with Torre dell'Inserraglio and south with Torre dell'Alto, and the ruin was restored and made safe in 2020.