Clausi Palace

In the heart of Torretta stands Villa Clausi, an ancient palace dating back to the Norman era (it is said to have been connected to the castle of Crucoli by a long tunnel used by the rulers of the time to escape in case of attack).

The history of the villa is closely tied to that of the tower (seen in the photo), which gave the hamlet its name. Documents from the 1600s reveal that Torretta was a district of the fiefdom owned by Cesare D’Aquino, and in sales deeds between Marquis Nicola Amalfitani and Don Barnaba Arenante from 1780, it is stated that Torretta was a locality named after the small adjacent tower.

Villa Clausi has been declared a national monument. However, as it is still inhabited by its rightful owners, visits are only permitted with their authorization.

Photo credit: Giuseppe Celsi