Torre del Serpe, Renaissance watchtower in Otranto, Italy
Torre del Serpe is a Renaissance watchtower in Otranto on Italy's southern coast, standing about 35 meters above sea level with a circular base and cone-shaped top. The remaining walls are made of brick and stone, showing the structural features typical of a coastal defense installation.
The structure dates to the Roman period when it served as a lighthouse and was substantially rebuilt in the 13th century under Emperor Frederick II for strategic military purposes. This transformation reflected changing coastal defense needs during that era.
The tower appears on Otranto's coat of arms with a black serpent coiled around it, reflecting centuries of maritime defense traditions rooted in the town's identity. This symbol reminds visitors of how important the structure was to the community's protection and survival.
The tower sits about 200 meters from the shoreline and roughly 5 kilometers from Otranto's town center, with free access available year-round. The ruins can be visited informally, though some portions show age and instability, so visitors should take care around the deteriorating structures.
Local legend tells of a serpent that climbed the tower each night to drink the lighthouse oil until locals killed it. According to the tale, the creature's mate then destroyed the structure in revenge, a story that adds mystery to the ruins visitors see today.
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