The castle
In the heart of the town, the Castello di Carovigno is the key landmark, probably founded by the Normans. It has an unusual triangular shape with a very pretty inner courtyard overlooked by balconies and several towers in different styles which were additions over the years. In the 20th century, the gardens around the castle were developed to imitate, on a smaller scale, those of royal palaces across Europe. There are plenty of stories to discover about the building’s usage and its occupants over the centuries. Events are sometimes held here too.
Beaches
From Carovigno it is a mere 15 minute drive to the seaside village of Torre Santa Sabina, with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and cafes and seafood restaurants along the seafront.Just a little to the east, the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve is a popular choice for its very natural beaches, again sandy with some rocks, and backed by dunes, Mediterranean vegetation and wetland.
An unusual church
About 4km from Carovigno is the church of Madonna del Belvedere, built in the 16th century. But underneath this ‘new’ church is a much older ‘cave church’. Visitors can climb a staircase down and down to reach the older Sanctuario beneath, literally built into the rock but complete with altar and murals. It dates back to the 9th century and was used by a Greek monastic community.
Explore
Carovigno’s position at the eastern end of the Itria Valley means that it is a great base for exploring other ‘white towns’ nearby such as Ostuni, Ceglie Messapica and Cisternino. The historic and busy port city of Brindisi is close, and it is also within easy reach of Puglia’s south, the Salento region, including the beautiful city of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’.
