Faro di Torre San Giovanni

The Torre San Giovanni lighthouse: an ancient guardian

The lighthouse of Torre San Giovanni stands out against the blue sky of Salento, protecting the small port of the small marina of Ugento. It has a very particular structure: its characteristic black and white checkerboard color distinguishes it, while its architecture is that of an ancient watchtower. Its history begins in the 16th century, when the entire territory of the then Kingdom of Naples was equipped with a defensive system that included a series of lookout towers, essential for spotting the enemy coming from the sea.

A new role

During the 19th century, the tower was converted into a lighthouse, taking on an even more important role for the safety of navigation. The lighthouse was equipped with an oil lamp and a system of lenses that amplified the light, making it visible from a great distance. In the 20th century, the San Giovanni lighthouse was modernized with the installation of an electrical system and a mercury vapor lamp. Its light became even more powerful, ensuring greater safety for sailors who sailed the sea. Today, the San Giovanni lighthouse is still an important reference point for navigation. Its light, which lights up every evening at sunset, guides ships and boats that sail the sea, guaranteeing them a safe journey.