Discover Roccaforzata: History and Views

Roccaforzata combines an impressive elevated location with an unusually rich history. The town lies on a 140-metre-high hill, the highest point of Monte Sant’Elia. Its historic centre is situated on the edge of a steep drop, surrounding the fortified residence of Il Castello. This creates a destination where landscape, architectural history and tranquil places are closely interwoven.

Holiday apartment in Roccaforzata for history and views

Il Castello has a rectangular ground plan and an east-facing façade with the typical appearance of a 15th- and 16th-century feudal residence. Part of the complex dates back to 1407. At that time, the feudal lord Ladislao d’Angiò Durazzo hosted the King of Naples on the occasion of his wedding to Maria d’Enghien. The Loggia Belvedere, a viewpoint in the town, offers open views of the surrounding landscapes and the Apulian countryside.

The religious buildings also tell the story of different eras. The Chiesa di San Nicola is a 16th-century church built by Albanian settlers. It has been mentioned since 1578, when Monsignor Brancaccio visited it; its period of construction is unknown. The Santuario della Madonna della Camera is held in particularly high regard by the people of Roccaforzata.

Monte Sant’Elia: traces from antiquity to the present day

The history of Monte Sant’Elia dates back at least to the 8th century BC. At that time, the mountain was inhabited by an Iapygian settlement with a probable defensive structure. From the 7th century BC onwards, a settlement developed there that was probably connected with the territory of the Greek colony of Tarentum. Between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, this settlement was given a defensive wall, two sections of which have been excavated. This depth of history makes the mountain a particularly interesting focus for cultural and historical discoveries.

Peaceful relaxation and religious tradition

Parco Pubblico Monte della Croce is a scenic green space in Roccaforzata and offers visitors room for quiet contemplation and relaxation. Since 1982, the Santuario della Madonna della Camera has also been the annual destination of a pilgrimage by all the parishes of the Vicaria. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Roccaforzata can therefore tailor their holiday around local history, views, contemplation and relaxation.

Destinations around Roccaforzata

In the immediate vicinity of Roccaforzata are the archaeological park Parco Archeologico delle Mura Greche, an archaeological site, and Parco Archeologico di Saturo, which has the same classification. Palazzo Cicinelli, a palace, and Castello Episcopio, a castle, are also located nearby. The beaches Spiaggia a Taranto, Lido Bruno and Spiaggia San Vito are also in the area around Roccaforzata. Spiaggia Librari lies in the wider regional surroundings of Roccaforzata. This allows you to combine cultural interests and landscape experiences when planning your trip, without losing sight of the distinctive character of this hilltop town.

More places for planning your trip

As additional places to help you get your bearings, discover Laterza, Monteparano, Lido Azzurro, Uggiano Montefusco, Palagianello, Librari, San Pietro In Bevagna and Marina di Lizzano.

For the overarching travel overview: Taranto.