Porto Cesareo

Porto Cesareo, Puglian comune (municipality) in the province of Lecce with approx. 4,000 inhabitants, is an important fishing and tourist centre characterised by magnificent sandy beaches in front of which there are many islets and rock concentrations that add up to its fairy-tale beauty. Already inhabited in prehistoric times, the city started developing during the Roman period as one of the most important commercial ports for shipping the agricultural products obtained from the exploitation of its fertile inner lands. After a period mauled by widespread pirate raids, the past glories of the area in terms of commerce were renewed around the year one thousand, ushering a period characterised by steady growth, which lasted until the XIX century. Among the most relevant artistic, architectural and cultural attractions in the area are some of the most famous defence towers built as from the XI century-the Cesarea Tower, Chianca Tower, Lapillo Tower and Castiglione Tower. It is also worth mentioning the presence of the prestigious Sea Park and the renowned Museum of Marine Biology. In 2002, Porto Cesareo caught the attention of national newspapers after sculptor De Matteis’ controversial decision of naming his work after actress Manuela Arcuri.