TORRACA

Torraca, which is located at an altitude of some 420 above sea level in the green hills behind the coastal town of Sapri, is one of the most characteristic villages in the Gulf of Policastro. The settlement was founded as a refuge from pirates for the coast dwellers.
Clustered tightly around a central, baronial castle on a hilltop, Torraca is accessible via the provincial road which heads inland from Sapri.
The origins of the settlement go back to at least the 4th century B.C., as testified by the discovery of the ruins of a series of Lucanian tombs, and Roman farms dating from that period.
The present village certainly already existed in the 11th century when a group of Italo-Greek monks built an important monastery nearby: the ruins can be seen near the road leading from the coast towards Torraca.
During the Vespro wars, the ancient medieval settlement was one of the principal hinterland fortresses.
The church of St Fantino located a ten minute walk away outside the village, the Madonna Dei Cordici Sanctuary situated in a wonderfully scenic position overlooking the Bay of Sapri, the Mother Church and the Chapel of the Confraternity all date back to the 16th century.
In 1806 Torraca was attacked by French troops who burned most of the village to the ground and looted the baronial castle of its sculptures, paintings and other valuable objects.
The painter, Biagio Mercadante, some of whose works are displayed in the municipal building, was born in Torraca in 1806.
The village centre is a series of terraces, narrow streets, courtyards and portals, all of which help in contributing to the typical characteristic old countryside atmosphere of such settlements. The interesting main square is shaded by evergreen trees and is the main meeting place of old and young alike.