Torre Pizzo, Renaissance coastal tower in Gallipoli, Italy.
Torre Pizzo is a cylindrical tower standing 8 meters above the rocky coastline with a truncated conical base built from white stone blocks. It sits within the Regional Natural Park of Sant'Andrea Island and Punta Pizzo, offering access to both rocky outcrops and sandy beaches.
Built in 1569 under Charles V's rule, the tower formed part of a defensive network protecting the Salento peninsula from maritime raids. This fortification was essential to coastal defense during the Renaissance period.
The name derives from the local term 'Tu Cutieri', rooted in the Greek word 'akroterion', showing how ancient Greek communities left their mark on the region's language. This linguistic heritage remains visible in how people refer to the site today.
The tower is accessible within the natural park area, though conditions vary with the season and weather. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for rocky terrain, as paths around the site can be uneven and require careful footing.
A triangular projection crowns the summit, aligned with the entrance door, making the structure recognizable from considerable distances. This distinctive feature likely served as a visual marker for vessels approaching the coast.
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