Torre Santa Susanna
The heart of Salento between history, tradition and culture
Located in the heart of the Salento peninsula, 70 meters above sea level, Torre Santa Susanna is a charming agricultural town of about 10,000 inhabitants, equidistant from the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. Its roots date back to the Messapian era (5th-4th century BC), when nearby Oria used this area as a fortified granary, giving birth to the so-called "Turris Messapiorum".
Historical Notes
Origins
The origins of the town are ancient and shrouded in myth. According to historian Girolamo Marciano, Hannibal set up camp near the Casale di Crepacore during clashes with the Oritani. To fortify the area, the prefect of Rome had two castles with towers built: one where Torre Santa Susanna stands today and another in Avetrana.
The Name
Legend has it that a Roman Christian soldier painted the effigy of Saint Susanna on a tower wall, giving rise to the name "Turris Sanctae Susannae". Houses began to spring up around the castle, while nearby hamlets were progressively abandoned due to plagues and earthquakes.
Middle Ages
In 1281 Charles I of Anjou built a tower called "Osanna", half-destroyed by the earthquakes of 1627 and 1743 and finally demolished in 1823. In its place, in 1837, the column with the statue of Saint Susanna was erected, still a city symbol today. The baronial castle, built between 1588 and 1595, was later transformed into a residence by the Filo di Napoli counts.
Images of the Past
Vintage photos that tell the history, families and local life of Torre Santa Susanna over the years.
Historical images of Torre Santa Susanna
What to See
Column of Saint Susanna
The city's symbol, the tuff obelisk from 1837 stands in the center of Piazza Colonna. The statue of Saint Susanna was placed here to protect the town and as thanks for avoiding the cholera epidemic that struck nearby Erchie.
Baronial Castle
Built between 1588 and 1595 on a pre-existing medieval nucleus. The battlements on the top were added by the Filo di Napoli counts, who transformed the castle into a noble residence.
Mother Church
Dedicated to Saint Susanna and Saint Nicholas, built in 1581 with a late Gothic carparo facade and a magnificent rose window. Inside, three naves divided by tuff columns house 17th-18th century paintings, including works by Giovanni Papagiorgio and Domenico Carella, known as "the Apulian Tiepolo".
Underground Oil Mill
Ancient underground oil mill hand-carved into the rock, testimony to the thousand-year olive oil culture. Its milling vats and the huge "millstone" in hard limestone tell the story of olive processing in Salento.
Church of San Giovanni
Dating back to the 16th century with a Renaissance facade. Inside it preserves statues of saints and a valuable raised wooden choir behind the altar.
Church of Santa Maria di Crepacore
Byzantine church from the 8th-9th century with a square plan and two domes, built with carparo blocks from pre-Roman constructions. A rare example of early medieval sacred architecture.
Map of Torre Santa Susanna
Traditions and Culture
Torre Santa Susanna is rich in traditions handed down for generations. The Patron Saint Feast of Santa Susanna is celebrated on August 11 with processions, lights and fireworks. On September 25, the Madonna di Galaso is celebrated, co-patroness along with Saint Susanna.
During Holy Week, the evocative "Living Passion" involves the entire community. In July, "Ballate e Traballate" animates the evenings with traditional Salento dances like pizzica and taranta, accompanied by seminars and debates on local traditions.
The territory is predominantly agricultural, producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fine wines and typical cheeses. The centuries-old olive trees surrounding the town tell a story of love between this land and its inhabitants.
Curiosities
The name "Torre Santa Susanna" in the Brindisi dialect is "La Torri". Its inhabitants are called "torresi".
The "La Sconfitta" area takes its name from the battle between Hannibal and the Oritani.
The town is equidistant from the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea (about 20 km from both), enjoying a unique position in the heart of Salento.
The Abbey of Santa Maria di Galaso, dating back to the 9th-10th century, extended between the municipalities of Veglie, Torre Santa Susanna and Erchie.