Torraca

Torraca is set among green hills just over 420 meters above sea level, close to the coastal town of Sapri. There is no clear information about its foundation, certainly the area has been frequented in ancient times, as shown by the remains of Lucan tombs dating back to the 4th century. BC, and of Roman farms.
It is assumed that the present town already existed around the 11th century, in fact not too far from the center the ruins of an important monastery built by the Italian-Greek monks, attributable to that period, are still visible. The ancient medieval village, perched around the baronial castle, was an important Angevin fort inland during the war of the Vespers, fought between Angevins and Aragonese (1282-1302).
In 1806 the town was largely destroyed by the French, who also sacked the baronial castle bringing with it what was most precious (paintings, statues and other valuables).
In 1892, Torraca was the birthplace of the famous painter Biagio Mercadante, whose paintings can be admired at the local town hall. Today the historic center of the town is characterized by a succession of terraces, alleys, portals and courtyards, which contribute to creating an ancient atmosphere, typical of rural civilization. The village square is very suggestive, rich in greenery, it is the favorite meeting place of young and old; likewise evocative are the alleys, the terraces and the portals which lead back to a bygone past.
Torraca, besides being one of the most characteristic towns of the Gulf of Policastro, is also one of the most important agricultural centers for the production of oil and wine, which combines homemade pasta dishes, cured meats and cooked meats.

Torraca is set among green hills just over 420 meters above sea level, close to the coastal town of Sapri. There is no clear information about its foundation, certainly the area has been frequented in ancient times, as shown by the remains of Lucan tombs dating back to the 4th century. BC, and of Roman farms.
It is assumed that the present town already existed around the 11th century, in fact not too far from the center the ruins of an important monastery built by the Italian-Greek monks, attributable to that period, are still visible. The ancient medieval village, perched around the baronial castle, was an important Angevin fort inland during the war of the Vespers, fought between Angevins and Aragonese (1282-1302).
In 1806 the town was largely destroyed by the French, who also sacked the baronial castle bringing with it what was most precious (paintings, statues and other valuables).
In 1892, Torraca was the birthplace of the famous painter Biagio Mercadante, whose paintings can be admired at the local town hall. Today the historic center of the town is characterized by a succession of terraces, alleys, portals and courtyards, which contribute to creating an ancient atmosphere, typical of rural civilization. The village square is very suggestive, rich in greenery, it is the favorite meeting place of young and old; likewise evocative are the alleys, the terraces and the portals which lead back to a bygone past.
Torraca, besides being one of the most characteristic towns of the Gulf of Policastro, is also one of the most important agricultural centers for the production of oil and wine, which combines homemade pasta dishes, cured meats and cooked meats.