Nestled at the base of the Serra Falitte, Morciano di Leuca is a historic town in the Puglia region of south-east Italy. It has long been rooted in Christian traditions, with several churches among its attractions, and offers easy access to the conical Torre Vado and the soaring Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca.
Things to do in Morciano di Leuca
In the heart of Morciano di Leuca is an impressive castle, which was built in the early 14th century by order of Walter VI of Brienne. It’s a short stroll from the Church of San Giovanni Elemosiniere, a 16th-century building that features Renaissance elements and altars built from Lecce stone, as well as paintings dating back to the 17th century.
Dominating the waterfront of nearby Torre Vado is a coastal tower, which was constructed in the 16th century. Rising 12 metres in height, it features a conical design and is set across two floors separated by a decorative string course. Admire its turreted roof before refreshing with a swim at Spiaggia di Torre Vado, which fronts the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Morciano di Leuca lies just a short drive from the southernmost point of Apulia, which offers magnificent views towards the Greek coastline. Combine your visit with a stop at the Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca, a whitewashed lighthouse tower that rises to 47 metres in height. Designed by Achille Rossi in 1866, its observation platform can be reached via 254 spiral steps.
Getting around Morciano di Leuca
Morciano di Leuca is around an hour’s drive from Lecce and 1.5 hours from Brindisi Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Morciano di Leuca and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.