Carovigno

Immense walls and ancient towers

Carovigno, in the province of Brindisi, is known for its excellent quality olive oil, but the ancient walls speak of its Messapian history. These are the remains of the ancient city of Carbina, destroyed by the Tarantines in 473 BC.

The fortified citadel was protected by three concentric walls built around the hill. The acropolis stood on the highest point, surrounded by immense walls, while the other two walls enclosed the town. Four towers of the medieval walls still remain: Torre del Civile, Torre Giranda, Torre delli Brandi and Torre del Prete.

Today, the historic centre of Carovigno features lime-painted houses and stone arches leading up to Dentice di Frasso Castle, on the highest point. Built in the 12th century as a military fortress, it became the sumptuous aristocratic residence of the Dentice Counts in the 18th century.

Don't miss the Chiesa Madre dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, built in the 14th century and remodelled in the 16th century, and the Church of Santa Anna built in the 18th century as the Imperiali family’s private chapel. The Marine Protected Area of Torre Guaceto is just a few kilometres from Carovigno.