Castro is a municipality in Salento that overlooks the sea, it is located on the Adriatic coast with an upper part of Mediaeval origin and a lower part that rises around the port; it is also identified as “Marina di Castro”.
The history of Castro
Castro owes its name to the Latin Castrum Minervae where Castrum stands for fortress, Minervae for a temple dedicated to her, but it was already inhabited in prehistoric times, as shown by the fossil remains found in the Romanelli and Zinzulusa caves.
It was colonised by the Messapians and later by the Greeks, and over time its importance grew until it became an Episcopal seat in 682. Conquered by the Arabs, it was under their rule for eleven years, taking the name Al Qatara. Several dynasties took turns over the centuries; a common thread in all Salento.
What to see in Castro?
Let us now see what to see in Castro!
The Church of the Annunziata
The Church of the Annunziata, built in 1171 probably on the ruins of a Greek temple, is worth a visit. Inside you can admire a Byzantine fresco and an old pipe organ from the 17th century. Attention should be paid to the wooden urn containing the relics of Saint Dorothy.
- Aragonese Castle
Continuing along the route, we are overlooked by the Aragonese Castle dating back to the 12th century; it clearly has mighty walls to defend against Saracen pirates, enveloping the entire historic centre.
Coastal Towers
There is no shortage of coastal towers, although the one in Castro is unfortunately now a ruin
Grotta Zinzulusa (Zinzulusa Cave)
Moving on to Castro Marina, we can admire the famous Grotta della Zinzulusa, which owes its name to the word “zinzulu”, which in Salento dialect means rag because of the stalactites and stalagmites that look like rags in the wind.
It is accessed by boat, the entrance is overhung by stalactites and stalagmites that take their shape from everyday objects, along the narrow path called the “path of wonders”, you come to a small lake with particularly clear water, the pitfall, further on, a large cavity opens up, the dome, dating back to the Cretaceous.
The bottom is the final part 160 metres from the entrance. It is the only Italian site among the world’s ten that the Karst Water Institute has decreed for protection. We should also mention the Blue Cave, Palombelli Cave and Romanelli Cave, which are also of great natural interest!
Oaks Park
Strolling through the countryside, we are greeted by the Parco delle Querce (Oaks Park), a wood of holm oaks just outside the town of great scenic interest, a rare testimony to the wooded edges of Salento.
Going down, the harbour brings us back to the present with the colours of the past where the art of fishing gives us hope for continued dedication.
Castro Marina Beaches
Unfortunately, Castro is not a sandy area, but it is enough to dive off the low cliffs to be stunned by the crystal-clear sea. However, for those who want to sunbathe on the beach a piece of advice can be given; going along the coast road to Tricase we find small landing places:
- Cala dell’Acquaviva a real natural jewel.
- La Sorgente beach resort
- La Roccia hotel with a beach resort
- Punta Correnti free access
- Argentiere free access good tanning.
Where to eat in Castro Marina
In the meantime, let’s start by saying what to eat, where the answer is easy, in Castro you only eat fish!
Here are some suggestions:
- Friggitoria Porto Vecchio: with tables outside and a beautiful view of the harbour; ask for the frittura di paranza!
- Grotta Del Conte: with a terrace overlooking the sea, very large rooms and a breathtaking view, we recommend the tuna tartare
- Isola Del Sole: here too, the view is superb and the speciality is fish that is always fresh
- 37 Nodi Fish and food: as the name indicates, fish is the main protagonist; we recommend the fried octopus and the pittule with squid ink
- Da Amedeo trattoria: a family-run trattoria with ancient culinary traditions, here we recommend the sotè of mussels and clams.
For all other places where to eat, we rely on your spirit of adventure as well as your nose to find the right ones.
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