Commonly called Castle, even if the typology of the structure would classify it as a noble palace, the building can be considered, without any doubt, a key witness of the history of Ripese. Built around the year 1000, it was the living quarters of the local lords who succeeded one another over the centuries and it was precisely these passages of different lordships that leave important evidence today about the "life" of the castle.

Torre Colimena is part of the Ionian coastal system of watchtowers, commissioned by Charles V in the 16th century to defend his kingdom from Saracen incursions.