Between history and nature

A Park to experience

Walking routes, events and authentic experiences

A park to be lived, not just visited

What is Torcito

Torcito is a natural, archaeological and cultural landscape spanning over two hundred hectares, crossed by the Via Francigena and woven with trails set among woodlands, disused quarries, dry-stone walls and rural heritage. A place where historic architecture engages in a quiet dialogue with the surrounding landscape, offering an experience designed for walkers, families and today’s modern travellers.

From Otranto

10 km

of nature and history

203 ha

Points of Interest

Discover the Park

Here you can find all the points of interest within Parco Torcito. A simple, intuitive way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place.

The rural heart of the Park, between history and architecture

Masseria Torcito

At the most authentic heart of the park lies the Fortified Masseria of Torcito, a rural complex of medieval origin and the former hub of the Cerceto fiefdom. Its enclosed courtyards, stone threshing floors, imposing dry-stone walls, underground olive mill, snow pits, spaces once used by shepherds, and the nearby Chapel of San Vito together tell a centuries-old story of labour, community and agricultural tradition.

The recent restoration project has returned the Masseria to its original identity, carefully preserving its forms, materials and historical layers with great respect.

Today, the Masseria is a place to be experienced at an unhurried pace: a journey through ancient geometries, quiet courtyards and landscapes that invite contemplation.

The evocative rooms of Masseria Grande are also available for private events, business meetings and corporate gatherings, with the added convenience of an adjacent bar—ideal for coffee breaks, guest reception and convivial moments.

Distinctive settings for your stay

The Rooms

Set within the ancient Masseria Piccinna, part of the fortified Torcito complex, the rooms offer an authentic stay immersed in history and nature. Their warm, welcoming style—defined by stone features and traditional details—respects the original architecture and preserves a genuinely local atmosphere.

Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini fridge and TV.

Large windows provide a pleasant view over the park, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding peace and natural landscape.

Designed to combine comfort with authenticity, the masseria’s rooms are the ideal choice for those seeking a unique experience in a historic and evocative setting.

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Woodlands, clearings and themed trails

Nature and Routes

The Park unfolds across vast pine forests, rocky outcrops, Mediterranean scrub and sunlit clearings.

A network of trails allows visitors to explore the landscape at different paces and intensities: fitness routes, woodland treks, mountain bike tracks and loop trails connected to the Via Francigena.

Each itinerary has been restored to ensure accessibility and safety, while fully preserving the natural character of the environment.

Archaeology, wooden walkways and minor architecture

Cultural Trail

Winding through wooden walkways and unpaved stretches, the historical and cultural trail connects all the surviving elements of the medieval rural settlement: the Chapel of San Vito, the Colombaia Tower, tombs and grain pits, snow pits, the underground olive mill, and the remains of ancient dwellings. A journey into the memory of Cerceto, emerging through stone, hypogeal caves, rock-cut features and perfectly restored dry-stone walls. A place that tells the story of what time has preserved—and which is now brought back into view through careful and respectful restoration.

Activities to experience the Park in every season

Experiences

Torcito offers a programme of activities that brings together nature, culture, sport and wellbeing.

From outdoor experiences to children’s workshops, from nature exploration to cultural events, the Park welcomes visitors of all ages with a wide range of carefully curated activities.

Horse riding excursions, guided walks to discover local plant life, orienteering, workshops, exploration activities, astronomical observation, children’s yoga, archery, bike hire and much more all help turn every visit into a rich, well-rounded experience.

Suspended between sky and forest

Adventure Park

Among the Canary Island pines on the north-western slope lies the Adventure Park, one of the very few treetop aerial courses in Puglia.

Three levels of height and difficulty provide a safe and engaging experience for children, teenagers and adults alike.

Tibetan bridges, suspended walkways and tree-top ramps allow visitors to experience the woodland from an entirely new perspective.

From scars in the landscape to new places of gathering

The Quarries

Events Quarry

A large disused quarry has been transformed into a natural open-air theatre with seating for around two hundred people, framed by calcarenite rock walls that tell the site’s extractive history. Concerts, readings, open-air cinema, performances and shows come to life in this unique setting, especially at sunset.

Games Quarry

Smaller and located close to Colombaia Tower, this quarry has been reimagined as a playground carved into the rock. Play areas for younger children, shaded zones and wooden seating create a safe, natural space for families.

The taste of the land

Restaurant – Opening Soon

Located within Masseria Piccinna, the restaurant area is dedicated to celebrating Salento cuisine and local flavours, using traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Ancient rural architecture, round arches opening onto the stone courtyard, and the quiet of the surrounding landscape create an ideal atmosphere for tastings, gatherings and private events.

Experience Torcito. Walk, listen, discover.