Torre San Leonardo, Coastal tower in Ostuni, Italy.
Torre San Leonardo is a coastal defense tower near Ostuni rising from rocky ground along the Adriatic shore with solid stone walls. The structure stands as a landmark beside the white-washed buildings of the town, visible from the water and the land.
The tower was built during the Kingdom of Naples as part of a broad defense network along the Salento coast. It was constructed to protect settlements from pirates and enemy raids that threatened the region.
The tower reflects how local people organized coastal defense over centuries, with its position and structure showing the constant vigilance needed against sea raids. The stone walls and their orientation reveal the reality of living under threat from the water.
You can reach the tower by following the coastal road from Ostuni, with parking available near Via della Torre. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best for comfort and photography, avoiding the strongest sunlight.
The tower was part of a medieval communication system where signal fires connected with Torre Canne and Torre Villanova. These fires allowed warnings to spread quickly along the entire coast in times of danger.
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