In the heart of Salento, between breathtaking cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, lies one of the most enchanting pearls of Puglia: Roca Vecchia (also called by the locals Roca Li Posti). A place where time seems to have stopped, a corner of paradise where history, nature and myths intertwine in an extraordinary way. If you dream of discovering a place where the sea embraces the past and the present, Roca Vecchia is the answer you are looking for.
In this article, we will accompany you to discover this fascinating place, exploring its thousand-year-old historical roots, the dream beaches and all the wonders that make Roca Vecchia an essential stop for those visiting Salento and Puglia.
Where is Roca Vecchia?
Roca is a little corner of paradise located in the heart of Salento, in the splendid Puglia. Overlooking the Adriatic, this town is a hamlet of the Municipality of Melendugno, a village that preserves the authenticity of Salento.
Located a few kilometers from Lecce and Otranto, Roca is a place that manages to combine the beauty of its rocky coast, with sandy coves and crystal clear waters, with the magic of a landscape that seems out of time.
Despite being part of Melendugno, Roca has a soul of its own, which fascinates those who visit it with its peaceful atmosphere and its deep connection with the history, nature and traditions of Salento.
How to reach Roca Vecchia from Lecce and Salento
Getting to Roca Vecchiais an experience that will also allow you to discover the scenic beauty that characterizes Salento.
The best way to get to Roca Vecchia is by car.
- From Lecce: take the Lecce-Vernole Provincial Road (SP1), continue on the SP145 towards San Foca and then follow the SP366 coastal road to Roca (about 25 km, 30 minutes).
- From Otranto: follow the SP366 coastal road to Roca (about 20 km, 25 minutes).
Free parking is limited, so it is best to avoid leaving your car just anywhere, as fines are common. There is a private car park right on the coastal road with a rate of about €1.00/2.00 per hour or €5.00 for the whole day.
Durante la stagione estiva, è possibile raggiungere Roca Vecchia anche con le linee di Salento in Bus.
History and archaeology of Roca Vecchia Salento
Roca is not only an enchanting tourist destination, but also a place where history tells thousands of years of civilization, myths and legends. Every corner of this small coastal village is permeated by an atmosphere that seems to speak of distant eras, of peoples who have followed one another, leaving indelible traces in the landscape.
The ancient history of Roca Vecchia Puglia
Roca has a fascinating and complex history, which dates back to the Bronze Age (15th-11th century BC). Archaeological excavations have revealed an impressive system of fortifications and numerous finds that recall Minoan and Aegean models. It is believed that in the 15th century BC, the site was besieged and destroyed by fire, an event that was also repeated in the walls rebuilt in the 11th century BC.
Despite the mystery surrounding the founders and the function of these fortifications, it is thought that the site was not only a defensive settlement, but probably an important place of worship.
Roca Vecchia was also frequented during the Iron Age, but the most conspicuous traces date back to the Messapian era (4th-3rd century BC), when an incomplete city wall, a funerary monument, tombs and furnaces were erected.
The name of the Messapian city may have been Thuria Sallentina. After a period of abandonment, the site was again inhabited during the early Middle Ages by anchorites, who lived in caves dug into the limestone. In the 14th century, Count Walter of Brienne rebuilt Roca as a fortified town, but in 1480, during the Turkish raids, Roca Vecchia was sacked and destroyed.
Despite its subsequent abandonment, the history of Roca Vecchia in Pugliaremains linked to local legends, such as that of the mythical Donna Isabella, lady of the castle of Roca, and the tragic events linked to the Turkish incursions. In 1544, the city was finally razed to the ground by order of the governor Ferrante Loffredo.
The archaeological area of Roca Vecchia
Thearchaeological area of Roca Vecchia in Lecceis an extraordinary site that tells a thousand-year-old story of cultural stratifications. Situated on a small peninsula between Torre dell’Orso and San Foca, the town of Roca has been an important coastal centre since the 2nd millennium BC, with fortifications dating back to the Middle and Late Bronze Ages. This site, similar to that of Troy, features overlapping evidence spanning from the 17th century BC to the 16th century AD.
Among the most significant evidences are the remains of the Messapian and Roman walls, which tell of the importance of Roca as a point of connection between Puglia and the Balkan and Aegean world. Although the Romans left traces on the site, with the arrival of Octavian Augustus in 44 BC, it is the subsequent periods that bring a real revival of the city, especially in the Late Middle Ages, when Walter VI of Brienne rebuilt the center and fortified it with a castle, walls and a church.
After the incursions of the Ottoman corsairs in the 15th century, the city was progressively dismantled, and its inhabitants took refuge in the surrounding areas.
Today, Roca Vecchia is an important archaeological area, the subject of excavations by theUniversity of Salento, which has brought to light evidence of various civilizations.
The visit to the archaeological site of Roca, accompanied by specialized guides, allows you to admire the remains of the walls of the Middle Bronze Age, the Messapian tombs and the medieval castle, offering a journey through the different historical eras that have marked this corner of Puglia.
Beaches of Roca Vecchia Melendugno
The coast of Roca is a natural wonder that you will fall in love with at first sight. Although most of the area is characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, interrupted by small bays and inlets, right here are hidden some corners of extraordinary beauty.
The beaches of Roca Vecchia get crowded easily, given their small size, but they are absolutely worth a visit! Here are some of the main ones:
- Pascariello beach;
- Zolfara Inlet;
- Punta Sapone beach;
- Portulignu beach;
- ‘Nfocaciucci Beach.
Occasionally, storm surges can bring seaweed or expose the rock, but they remain ideal places to enjoy the wild nature of Salento.
Roca Vecchia: the Grotta della Poesia
The main reason why most tourists visit Roca Vecchia in Lecce is the extraordinary beauty of the Grotta della Poesia. This natural cavity, which opens directly onto the coast, vaguely resembles a Mexican cenote, one of the most evocative places in the entire region.
Although the waters of the Grotta della Poesia, clear and crystalline, invite you to dive, the area is not suitable for swimming.
View this post on Instagram
What to see in Roca Vecchia
If you find yourself in Roca, here’s what you absolutely can’t miss:
- Torre di Roca Vecchia;
- Archaeological Area of Roca Vecchia;
- Santuario di Maria Santissima delle Grazie (Cripta di Roca Vecchia);
- Madonna di Roca Vecchia;
- Grotta della Poesia.
Madonna di Roca Vecchia:
The Madonna di Roca Vecchia is at the center of an important cult that has its roots in the siege and destruction of the ancient Roca Vecchia. In 1656, a crypt was dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy, followed in 1690 by the construction of a sanctuary church.
This sacred place has become a destination for pilgrimages by local populations, especially those who, during the Turkish invasion, were forced to flee and took refuge in nearby towns.
The traditions of pilgrimage to the sanctuary, to pay homage to the Madonna delle Grazie, are still celebrated today in various locations, including Melendugno, Borgagne, Calimera and Vernole, usually in the month of May, the month of the Madonna.
The church of Roca Vecchia, although small, is decorated in Baroque style, with an altar in Lecce stone dedicated to the Madonna and a central rose window. The statue of the Madonna, painted and carried in procession during the celebrations, represents the heart of the cult. The facade of the church is deliberately simple to hide among the houses and protect itself from invaders.
Furthermore, a votive column, erected in the 1960s, and a statue carved in stone near the Grotta della Poesia, testify to the importance of the cult.
Where to eat in Roca Vecchia
Roca Vecchia, despite being a small village, offers several opportunities to savor the typical cuisine of Salento, in a context that combines tradition and scenic beauty. Here are some options where you can taste delicious, fresh and genuine dishes:
- Thuria Mare
- Poesia Restaurant and Bar
- Rokamel | Beach Restaurant Drink
- Mare Blu – Il ristorante
