Torre della tonnara di Cofano, Coastal watchtower in Custonaci, Italy.
Torre della Tonnara di Cofano is a defensive tower on the coast of Custonaci with a square base and four concave walls that rise in a pyramidal shape. It was built from local limestone blocks and sits within the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve.
The tower was built between 1556 and 1560 and served to watch the coast against threats from the sea. It was also an important point for organizing the tuna fishing fleets that thrived at that time.
The tower was closely tied to tuna fishing, which shaped coastal communities for centuries. The structure shows how defense systems and fishing were intertwined in the local way of life.
The tower lies in the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve and can be reached via marked trails from the parking area in Custonaci. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the path is exposed and can be steep in places.
The tower's interior has two levels connected by a staircase on the left side, with a barrel-vaulted chamber on the ground floor. Beneath this chamber sits a water cistern carved into the rock, showing how well the structure was prepared for extended sieges.
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