Around here Melendugno usually rhymes with summer, scents of a Salento all to be experienced and crystal blue sea. Awarded several times with the prestigious Blue Flag recognition, this town in the province of Lecce encompasses much of the beauty of Salento, and one never stops discovering more aspects and typical features of this corner of Puglia. Driving up and down the coast road that connects San Foca to Torre dell"Orso, we cannot help but notice the remains of the ancient town of Roca with its imposing castle now reduced to ruins, which was dismantled following the continuous raids of Saracen pirates during the mid-16th century. The origins of Roca Vecchia Castle date back to the late Middle Ages when it was built along with the fortified town of Roca. Roca Vecchia Castle was surrounded by an imposing moat and for the time represented an impregnable fortress built with all the criteria aimed at defending the native population. Today this beautiful and evocative castle has almost merged with the surrounding territory to form a single block with the cliffs that end directly in the sea and the green of the typical Mediterranean scrub covering most of these ruins that once far away meant defense and survival. The panorama one enjoys when observing these ruins from any perspective, combined with such a fascinating horizon that links the turquoise of the sky to the deep blue of the Adriatic represent a glimpse of rare beauty. Living certain experiences that link the history of an area to the unspoiled nature of the surrounding landscape fully repays the decision to spend part of our time discovering these wonderful places. Beauties of Salento and one color above all, the blue that only the marinas of Melendugno can render as far as it really can count. Have a great summer from the Castle of Roca Vecchia.
Last Updated: 28/11/2022, Tonio Viva