On the northern coast of Brindisi, Punta Penne Tower stands within the Punta Penne Natural Park, a 23-hectare area reclaimed and reopened in 2014. Rebuilt in 1568 by master Giovanni Parise, the tower now offers a striking view of the coastline, among rocks and Mediterranean scrub. Despite its state of neglect, the site tells centuries of history, from pirate raids to its role as a lighthouse in the 19th century.
• 16th-century tower rebuilt in 1568, with coastal views
• Natural park of 23 hectares with walkways and signage
• Coves and rocks for a relaxing stop just steps from the airport
• Artifacts and stories of Turkish pirates and military batteries
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17/10/2025 - 02/05/2026
A 16th-century coastal tower in the Punta Penne Natural Park, amidst pirate history, military batteries, and Mediterranean scrub. A dive into the past just steps from the airport.
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A Dive into History: Between Mediterranean Scrub and Sea
A stone’s throw from Brindisi airport, there’s a corner where time seems to have stood still. The Torre di Punta Penne stands within the Punta Penne – Punta del Serrone Municipal Nature Park, a 23-hectare area that smells of Mediterranean scrub. Here, among low cliffs and sandy coves, the coastal tower tells centuries of history. It is a place that combines the wild beauty of nature with the signs of the past: a perfect mix for those who love discovering the lesser-known places of Salento.
A Dive into History: Between Mediterranean Scrub and Sea
A stone’s throw from Brindisi airport, there’s a corner where time seems to have stood still. The Torre di Punta Penne stands within the Punta Penne – Punta del Serrone Municipal Nature Park, a 23-hectare area that smells of Mediterranean scrub. Here, among low cliffs and sandy coves, the coastal tower tells centuries of history. It is a place that combines the wild beauty of nature with the signs of the past: a perfect mix for those who love discovering the lesser-known places of Salento.
From Pirates to World Wars
The tower already existed before 1563, but was rebuilt in 1568 by master mason Giovanni Parise. Despite its defensive function, it did not prevent pirate landings: in 1676, two Turkish galleys plundered the nearby farms and kidnapped 12 people. In the 19th century it became a lighthouse, but during World War II the Guardia di Finanza modified it, lowering it. Today, abandoned, it retains two floors with two rooms each and an external staircase.
From Pirates to World Wars
The tower already existed before 1563, but was rebuilt in 1568 by master mason Giovanni Parise. Despite its defensive function, it did not prevent pirate landings: in 1676, two Turkish galleys plundered the nearby farms and kidnapped 12 people. In the 19th century it became a lighthouse, but during World War II the Guardia di Finanza modified it, lowering it. Today, abandoned, it retains two floors with two rooms each and an external staircase.
The Park: A Biodiversity Reserve
Inaugurated in 2014 after reclamation, the park spans 23 hectares owned by the Italian Navy. It is a gem of Mediterranean maquis with rare species. Walking along the suspended walkways, you will notice the wheel tracks, rocks scored by deep grooves, and the garigue with aromatic plants. The halophilous communities of glasswort and the cliff vegetation enrich the landscape. It is a corner of unspoiled nature, perfect for a walk amid the scents of thyme and rosemary.
The Park: A Biodiversity Reserve
Inaugurated in 2014 after reclamation, the park spans 23 hectares owned by the Italian Navy. It is a gem of Mediterranean maquis with rare species. Walking along the suspended walkways, you will notice the wheel tracks, rocks scored by deep grooves, and the garigue with aromatic plants. The halophilous communities of glasswort and the cliff vegetation enrich the landscape. It is a corner of unspoiled nature, perfect for a walk amid the scents of thyme and rosemary.
Architecture and Wartime Secrets
The original tower had a square base and a truncated pyramidal shape, typical of the Kingdom of Naples. Today, besides the tower, you can see the remains of World War I defensive works: the Batteria Menga with four 280 mm gun emplacements, casemates, and a circular bunker. In the waters off Punta del Serrone, the Bronzes of Brindisi were found in 1992, now housed in the Provincial Museum. A place where centuries of military history and archaeology are layered.
Architecture and Wartime Secrets
The original tower had a square base and a truncated pyramidal shape, typical of the Kingdom of Naples. Today, besides the tower, you can see the remains of World War I defensive works: the Batteria Menga with four 280 mm gun emplacements, casemates, and a circular bunker. In the waters off Punta del Serrone, the Bronzes of Brindisi were found in 1992, now housed in the Provincial Museum. A place where centuries of military history and archaeology are layered.
Three Good Reasons to Stop Here
1) Unique of its kind: it is the only coastal tower in the Brindisi area located within a well-preserved natural park. 2) Accessibility: a stone’s throw from the airport, ideal for a stop before departure or just after landing. 3) Panoramas and silence: from the tower you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the northern coastline, away from the city chaos. A place that manages to surprise, even if only for the contrast between the lush nature and the war remains.
Three Good Reasons to Stop Here
1) Unique of its kind: it is the only coastal tower in the Brindisi area located within a well-preserved natural park. 2) Accessibility: a stone’s throw from the airport, ideal for a stop before departure or just after landing. 3) Panoramas and silence: from the tower you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the northern coastline, away from the city chaos. A place that manages to surprise, even if only for the contrast between the lush nature and the war remains.
The Right Moment
To fully enjoy the atmosphere, I recommend the late afternoon, when the warm sunset light illuminates the tower and the sea. In spring or autumn, the climate is mild and the vegetation is lush. Avoid the midday hours in summer, as the park has little shade. But if you visit in any season, the silence broken only by the chirping of cicadas and the sound of the waves will make you feel far from it all.
The Right Moment
To fully enjoy the atmosphere, I recommend the late afternoon, when the warm sunset light illuminates the tower and the sea. In spring or autumn, the climate is mild and the vegetation is lush. Avoid the midday hours in summer, as the park has little shade. But if you visit in any season, the silence broken only by the chirping of cicadas and the sound of the waves will make you feel far from it all.
What to See Nearby
After the visit, don’t miss the Provincial Museum of Brindisi just a few kilometers away, where the Brindisi Bronzes, marine archaeological discoveries, are exhibited. If you prefer nature, continue along the coast to Torre Testa, another coastal tower surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. Two destinations that complete the journey through the history and landscapes of this coast.
What to See Nearby
After the visit, don’t miss the Provincial Museum of Brindisi just a few kilometers away, where the Brindisi Bronzes, marine archaeological discoveries, are exhibited. If you prefer nature, continue along the coast to Torre Testa, another coastal tower surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. Two destinations that complete the journey through the history and landscapes of this coast.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
According to local tradition, the name ‘Punta Penne’ may derive from Pinna Nobilis, the noble pen shell once abundant in these waters. In 1676, two Turkish galleys landed right here, looting farms and taking 12 people as slaves. Today, among the remains of the powder magazine and the Menga battery, the park’s silence is broken only by the sound of the sea and the planes departing from the nearby airport.