The Lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni is a luminous icon along the southwest coast of the Salento Peninsula, bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Located in the shore of Torre San Giovanni, this active lighthouse plays a fundamental role in maritime navigation, guiding and protecting boats along the Salento coast with its distinctive light. Its imposing presence and fascinating history make it not only an essential reference point for sailors, but also one of the most iconic attractions in the area.
General information
The Lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni, operational since 1932, stands imposing along the south-western coast of the Salento peninsula, offering an essential reference for maritime navigation. This lighthouse has an impressive structure consisting of an octagonal tower 22 meters high, surmounted by a lantern that rises to 24 meters above sea level. The lantern, painted in metallic grey, emits a white or red isophase flash every 4 seconds, visible up to 15 nautical miles away. Fully automated and operated by the Navy with the identification code 3310 EF, this lighthouse is not only a crucial safety element along the coast of Salento, but also an icon of beauty and functionality.
The history of the Torre San Giovanni Lighthouse
The history of the Torre San Giovanni in Ugento has its roots in the 16th century, when in 1580 Luzio de Urso from Naples, acting on behalf of the University of Ugento, collected 433 ducats for the expenses incurred in the construction of the tower. This imposing structure, indicated in ancient maps and official documents, was already reported as usable in 1569. Over the centuries, the function of the tower has changed: from a coastal tower became a lighthouse in the 20th century, providing a fundamental reference point for sailors who had to avoid the dangerous dry land nearby. Still in 1842 it was used by the customs guard, testifying to its strategic importance along the coast.
The structure of the Faro di Torre San Giovanni
The structure of the tower is a peculiar architectural work, with an octagonal base and an imposing height. The transformations over time have significantly modified the original appearance, adding superstructures and side constructions. Access to the floor is through a ladder, probably added during transformation into a lighthouse. The crowning of the tower, with beaks and a central drainpipe on each side, gives a distinctive character to the structure. However, despite the transformations and additions, the tower retains its historical charm, becoming today a focal point for the cultural and tourist enhancement of the area, as demonstrated by the project for the transformation into Porto’s Ecomuseum announced in 2020.
Prices and timetables
The lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni is not a visitable attraction, but you can admire it from the outside in all its splendor.
Where is it and how to get there
The lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni is a picturesque stretch along the Ionian coast of Salento, in Torre San Giovanni, marina di Ugento. It is located between the towns of Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca, in a bucolic and suggestive context.
To reach the lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni we recommend to use the car: from Lecce just follow the signs for Gallipoli, taking the SS101. After about 45 minutes follow the signs for Ugento-Torre San Giovanni. After passing Ugento, you will have another 10 minutes drive and you will arrive at your destination.
In summer, you can reach Torre San Giovanni by bus using the service Salento in bus. With the Line 108 that leaves from Lecce heading to S.M. of Leuca you can reach the Lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni.
