The incursions of the Arabs and then the Turks into Salento became a part of everyday life for the population for centuries. However, this was to change during the 15th and 16th centuries after the pillaging and destruction of Otranto in 1480, and in 1537 the bloody sacking of Castro. Against this historical backdrop, the decision was made to fortify the coastline against these piratical invasions. The strategic defence of this territory rested upon nine strategic watchtowers, and the fortified farmhouses that were built to directly protect the economic strengths of the Salentina peninsula. The vast majority of these towers were built during the first 60 years of the 16th century, shortly before the historic battle of Lepanto in 1571 (which in itself, radically altered the Ottoman presence in the Mediterranean). Most of the towers built in the province of Lecce were constructed along the Adriatic coastline; and infact, tourists even today can see the remains of these towers, stretching down the coast from San Cataldo to the headland at St Leuca. They speak of the immeasurable terrors and the uncountable resilience of this region’s population during these times. Leaving San Cataldo and finishing at Roca Vecchia, you find one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Here amidst the fields various parts of the coastal defence structures are preserved. Further south is Torre dell’Orso, a harmonious seaside resort, Torre del Sepe the symbolic tower of Otranto and Torre Sant’Emiliano which looks southward out over the sea. The towers, which finish at Santa Maria di Leuca, give the appearance of stone guardians protecting the land, such as Torre Palane and Torre degli Uomini Morti. Not to be outdone, looking out over the Ionian Sea you can find the towers of Sabea, Santa Caterina, dell Quatro Colonne, di Ulizzo situated in the natural park land around Porto Selvaggio and finally, near the old port of Porto Cesareo, the towers of Sant’Isodoro, Squillace and Chianca. It is still a marvel to behold these ancient military structures, which have, over the course of the centuries, merged with the landscape to become and integral part of the spectacular scenery of the coastline and region.