Torre del Tuono
In February 1678, a violent storm hit the countryside of Giovinazzo, lightning ripping through the sky like blades of fire. One bolt of lightning struck an ancient tower set inside a defensive compound and reduced it to rubble. From this destruction a new tower was born, known as the “Torre del Tuono” (Tower of Thunder), in memory of that terrible event.
This fortified farmstead, so imposing that it almost resembles a castle, boasts an ancient history. In 1438, Giovanni Vitelleschi, known as the “Warrior Bishop” established his headquarters here. Sent by Pope Eugene IV, from here, Vitelleschi organised the seige of Giovinazzo, on the side of Alfonso d’Aragona against the Pope. The seige began with the burning of the surrounding countryside, a brutal tactic to convince the town to surrender.
Centuries later in 1663, the Sagarriga family purchased the compound and carried out restoration work and extensions. They added a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel adorned with an inscription which read “Mihi, Meis et Ominbus” (for me, for mine and for all). The chapel later became the meeting point for a livestock fair which took place every year on St. Luke’s Day. Today the fortified building is in good condition thanks to recent restoration work which has preserved its majesty and charm, keeping alive its history of war, faith and rebirth.
