Tricase is a small town in Salento a stone’s throw from Santa Maria di Leuca. It owes its name to the three hamlets that came together to form the first important settlement; other studies lead it to a Greek origin, tracing the name back to an official of the Eastern Roman Empire, Demetrius Tricas. It is rich in prehistoric and megalithic remains, such as the Menhir, Specchie and Dolmen.
Like many towns in Salento, it saw the succession of multiple lineages, the most important being that of the Gallone family, who ruled it from 1588 to 1806.
Religious monuments in Tricase and Tricase Porto
There is no shortage of architectural monuments worthy of being admired in the silence of a cool summer evening stroll.
- Mother Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary built in 1736
- Church of San Domenico annexed to the Dominican convent in 1679
- Church of St Michael Archangel built in 1624 richly adorned with Baroque elements
- Church of Our Lady of Constantinople erected in 1685 also known as the Church of the Devil as legend has it that it was built in one night by the devil
- Church and Capuchin monastery built in 1578
- Abbey of Santa Maria del mito founded by Italo-Greek monks between the eighth and ninth centurie
Military Architecture
- Palazzo Gallone, a mediaeval castle with a drawbridge and moat. It was built in 1400 and has been remodelled over the years; today it is the municipal headquarters and offices
- Tutino Castle
- Caprarica Castle; the two castles are part of the two hamlets of Tricase
On the Coast
- Sasso Tower
- Tricase Harbour Tower
- Palane Tower
Travellers can enjoy these wonders by renting one of the many holiday homes scattered around the city and in the marinas, but one does not live by art alone, the places where one can taste the typical Salento cuisine are endless, leaving the pleasure of discovering them to those interested.
Towards the sea in Tricase
The sea, from Tricase, is about ten kilometres away and even on this route we can delight both the spirit and the mind. This time it is mother nature that comes to meet us, making us drunk with the uncontaminated beauty of the Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca Coastal Park, the Tricase forest, one of the most important oak groves in Italy for its rare plants, and the monumental Quercia Vallonea or “dei Cento Cavalieri” (one hundred knights), so many can be seen in its 700-year-old foliage.
Marina Serra and the Natural Pool
Marina Serra is a small village belonging to the town of Tricase, located on the Adriatic Coast a few kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca to the south and near the beautiful Otranto to the north. Rich in small unspoilt inlets and high cliffs, the sea is unique to say the least given the little presence of man. A unique pleasure is bathing in its natural pool accessible to all from land in its emerald green waters.
Tricase Porto
Tricase Porto is the marina of Tricase and has less than three hundred inhabitants. It is located on the Adriatic side of Salento and is crossed by the coast road that leads southwards to Ponte del Ciolo and Santa Maria di Leuca, and northwards to the historic Otranto.
This is an old fishing village, hence the name; the port has a very old part dating back to 1400 and a more recent part for mooring boats. It is laced with small coves and beautiful inlets, many of which can be accessed from the sea, a unique place for those who love tranquillity and the silence of stone. There is no shortage of entertainment in the town centre, with trendy clubs and places where you can enjoy typical Salento cuisine. The nights are coloured by musical and theatrical events, all wrapped in the magic of Salento.
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