Torra d'Erbalunga, Coastal defense tower in Brando, France
Torra d'Erbalunga is a circular stone tower on the eastern coast of Cap Corse near Erbalunga village. Its thick walls and carefully placed openings were designed to allow guards to watch the Mediterranean Sea for approaching threats.
The Republic of Genoa built this tower around 1600 to replace an earlier one destroyed in 1553 during Mediterranean conflicts. The new construction was part of a broader effort to strengthen Genoese control over Corsica's strategic coastline.
The tower shows how Genoese military ideas shaped Corsica's coastal defenses and protected local trade routes. Its design reflects the way seaside communities of that era built structures to watch for danger coming from the sea.
The tower can be reached by a path starting from Erbalunga village, which also shows the defensive position and coastal views. The path is straightforward to follow and the ruins are freely accessible, though sturdy shoes help on the rocky ground.
The tower walls contain an integrated rainwater collection system with a cistern that supplied the guards with water during their watch. This practical solution allowed the crew to remain on duty without relying on outside supply.
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