Discover Marittima: Towers, Sacred Buildings and Coastal Landscapes

Marittima can be explored through its distinctive towers, sacred architecture and traces of its former olive-oil production. The buildings date from different periods: Torre Lupo dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, while other landmarks date back to the 17th century. The landscape is also part of the picture: an old road leads from the historic centre through rocky terrain to a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic coast. If you choose a destination for its history and architecture, you will find several specific points of interest here.

Towers with their own character

Torre di Alfonso is considered the largest, most important and most ornate of Marittima’s towers. Its upper façade features a cornice and a balcony. Torre Lupo tells a different story: it is one of the oldest coastal towers in Salento and dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The towers can therefore be viewed from different perspectives: Torre di Alfonso stands out for its prominence among the town’s towers, while Torre Lupo is notable for its early date and classification as a coastal tower.

Sacred architecture and stone landmarks

The Santuario di Santa Maria Costantinopoli is a Franciscan-influenced building dating from 1610. Its crucifix altar, made of Lecce stone, was created in 1691. The building and altar thus represent two distinct historical dates. The furnishings also include an icon niche, two sacristy doors and an intricately decorated portal. Those who pay attention to detail can take in both the building’s design and individual elements of its furnishings.

The Colonna dell’Osanna is also made of Lecce stone: the column, erected in 1620, is topped with a cross. Comparing it with the crucifix altar reveals the same material in different forms—here as a column with a cross, there as part of an altar. Near Torre di Alfonso, Marittima’s only surviving underground olive mill, dating from the 17th century, has also been preserved. It belonged to a former network beneath the historic town centre. This means the town’s history encompasses an underground structure as well as its visible towers and sacred buildings.

From the town centre to the Adriatic coast

An old road leads from the historic centre through a rocky area with dovecotes and dry-stone walls to Torre Lupo. It ends on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic coast. The route connects notable points in a clear sequence: the town centre, the rocky landscape and the coastal view. If you are interested in this route, the dovecotes and dry-stone walls are specific landmarks along the way, as is the destination at Torre Lupo.

Festival history and practical information

The Festa della Fica began in 2000 as a local festival started by the residents of Marittima. At one edition, visitors can sample fig products such as dried and candied figs, jams, desserts and taralli. The offerings may vary from one edition to another. The festival’s history and tastings add a culinary perspective on Marittima alongside its buildings, without implying that it takes place annually.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale is wheelchair accessible. Check local conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Ruggiano, Cutrofiano, Cannole, Sternatia, Calimera, Nociglia, Tricase Porto, Torre Mozza

For the broader travel overview: Lecce.