Home to one of Puglia’s finest Baroque churches, Tricase is a historic town in the far south of Italy. It takes its name from the three farmhouses that once dominated the area before a castle was built here in the 16th century. In addition to its beautifully preserved historic core, Tricase lies just a stone’s throw from the beaches and caves of the Ionian Sea.
Things to do in Tricase
Spend an afternoon exploring Tricase’s historic core, which is dominated by the imposing tower of the Castello dei Principi Gallone. Admire the Baroque-style Church of San Domenico with its hanging ceiling before crossing the Piazza Giuseppe Pisanelli to visit the Church of the Nativity of Saint Mary. Dating back to 1736, its vaulted ceiling is beautifully decorated with stucco work.
A short drive from Tricase is the Natural Pool of Marina Serra, a crescent-shaped swimming hole with crystal clear waters. In the summer months, it’s a hive of activity as locals come to swim and sunbathe on the surrounding rocks. Nearby is the centuries-old Torre Palane, which offers magnificent views along the coastline.
Tricase makes a good base for visiting the historic town of Castro, said to be the place where the Trojan hero, Aeneas, first landed in Italy. Don’t miss the Castro Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts dating from the Palaeolithic period. You can join a boat cruise to explore the nearby caves, such as the Grotta Zinzulusa and the Grotta Azzurra.
Getting around Tricase
Tricase is around 45 minutes’ drive from Lecce and 1.5 hours from Salento Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Tricase railway station and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.