What to see
Built entirely from local schist stone, the massive truncated cone structure stands 10 meters tall with a base diameter of 16 meters and perimeter walls roughly 2.5 meters thick. The hatch entrance sits six meters above the ground; garrisons originally accessed it using rope or wooden ladders that could be quickly retracted during an attack. The interior features a mushroom-shaped vault supported by a central pillar, divided into three distinct rooms, each equipped with an embrasure. To the left of the hatch, a narrow, steep staircase built directly into the wall's thickness leads to the terrace, or parade ground. Historically, this roof featured a "mezzaluna"—a semicircular shelter made of roof tiles and reeds resting on the parapet to protect soldiers and ammunition.
Visiting
Positioned just three meters above sea level on an islet between Isola Piana and Capo Falcone, the fortification was designed to maintain constant visual contact with neighboring watchtowers. Classified in historical documents as a "de armas" or "gagliarda" tower (designated for heavy defense), it was once manned by an alcaide (commander), an artilleryman, and three to four soldiers equipped with three heavy-caliber cannons, a swivel gun, and rifles. Its military function officially ended in 1846, four years after the Royal Administration of Towers, the institution managing the island's defense, was abolished.
Our editors' tip
When viewing the fortification from the sand, trace the sightlines toward Isola Piana and Capo Falcone to appreciate the exact geometry of the 16th-century early warning network.