In the Deep Heart of the Ionian Sea: The Mystery of White Coral
Where the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas embrace, in the silent blue depths off Santa Maria di Leuca, lies a world known to few: a secret realm of white corals, submerged canyons, and petrified forests. Here, hundreds of meters below sea level, there is no sunlight and no human sound—only the slow dance of life patiently building its most fragile and perfect architectures.

What lies hidden in the cracks of the seabed is one of the most astonishing ecosystems in the Mediterranean: white coral bioconstructions (Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata), branching calcareous formations resembling tiny fossil trees that grow in the deepest darkness. Unlike tropical corals, these thrive in cold, still waters between 400 and 1,100 meters deep, feeding on plankton carried by bottom currents.

A Recent Discovery, an Ancient Legacy
Their presence off the coast of Leuca was only confirmed in the 21st century thanks to exploratory missions led by CoNISMa through the APLABES project, which used advanced sonar and underwater robots. Yet local fishermen had long suspected something: for generations, they avoided certain areas of the deep sea where nets would snag in “an invisible forest.” They called it “the stone forest,” believing that ancient spirits or sacred marine creatures lived there.

The images returned by ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) revealed an extraordinary landscape: three-dimensional structures up to 2 meters tall, resembling natural cathedrals that provide shelter for rare fish, blind crustaceans, and branching sponges. A delicate balance now threatened by activities such as bottom trawling, ocean acidification, and global warming.

Coral in Salentine Mythology
As often happens with what humans cannot see, legends flourish around white coral. One of the most evocative tells of corals as the solidified tears of a mermaid who fell in love with a fisherman and was punished by the gods. Off Punta Meliso, on calm days, some say you can still hear her song.

Another story, whispered through the alleys of the old town, speaks of a submerged alabaster city swallowed by a divine storm, its domes and towers now covered in white coral—not ruins, but living witnesses of a forgotten world.

Leukos White Coral Museum: Where the Sea Becomes Knowledge
For those who cannot descend into the abyss but want to experience its wonder, there is a place that evokes it with power and precision: the Civic Museum of White Coral Leukos, just steps from the promontory where Leuca’s lighthouse stands.

Born from the passion of a local collector and developed with the help of biologists and science communicators, the museum is the only one in Italy entirely dedicated to white coral. It’s not just a collection of specimens—it’s a narrative, sensory, and scientific experience that guides visitors through rare exhibits, microscopes, stories, multimedia panels, and visual enchantments.

Guided Tours: A Journey Through Science, Wonder, and Storytelling

Each guided tour is a short journey led by marine biology experts and passionate educators. The path, accessible to all ages, weaves together scientific knowledge with historical anecdotes, biological curiosities, and local legends. Visitors discover how coral colonies form, what “deep bioconstruction” means, and which species rely on them for survival.

Interactive labs are available for children, while adult visitors will find insights on current topics such as climate change, microplastics, and marine conservation.

A Room, A Story
The museum unfolds across themed spaces:

  • The White Coral Hall, the core of the exhibit, with real specimens from the Ionian Sea

  • The Shell Gallery, featuring surprising shapes and colors from around the world

  • A section on sponges, madrepores, and marine fossils

  • Artifacts collected during scientific expeditions, in collaboration with universities and marine institutes

Why Visit the Leukos Museum

  • It is the only one of its kind in Italy

  • It stems from authentic scientific and cultural passion

  • It offers an accessible and engaging experience for families, schools, and travelers

  • It connects myth, nature, and science in one cohesive journey

  • It is set in one of the most fascinating landscapes of Salento

An Extension of the Sea onto the Land
Visiting Leukos means diving without getting wet, sensing the salt in the air and the sounds of the deep, being carried away by a story that began millions of years ago and continues today through environmental awareness and wonder.

It’s not just a museum—it’s a bridge between worlds.

An Invitation to Discover the Invisible
The white coral of Leuca is a hidden treasure few know about. The Leukos Museum brings it to the surface to reveal its beauty and fragility. It’s an invitation to see the sea with new eyes—more conscious, more curious, more human.