Torra di Nonza, Genoese defensive tower in Nonza, France
Torra di Nonza is a cylindrical stone tower standing 155 meters above sea level on the western coast of Cap Corse, overlooking the Mediterranean. The structure has thick walls and was positioned so attackers could be spotted from all directions.
The tower was built as part of a network of coastal fortifications between 1530 and 1620 to protect against Barbary pirates. Genoese records mention it from 1617 onward, while its control during the 1768 French invasion proved significant for the island's fate.
The tower shows the building style that Genoese engineers brought to Corsica's coast, and you can see how it shaped the landscape. Its position and design reveal how much this coastal spot mattered for defense.
The tower is reachable by following paths through Nonza village and offers views across the coast and surrounding mountains. The walk to reach it requires some sure-footedness, as the trail becomes steep and rocky in places.
The site became the scene of an unusual 1768 negotiation when a single commander deceived the French by pretending to command a large garrison. This tactic allowed surrender on honorable terms for those defending it.
Location: Nonza
Address: Torra
GPS coordinates: 42.78500,9.34361
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
This collection connects the mountainous interior of Corsica with remote coastal sections and historical traces of early settlement. Hiking trails pass through forests and over passes to places largely untouched by mass tourism. The route includes granite formations rising from the sea and megalithic sites several thousand years old. In the mountains lie lakes of glacial origin, surrounded by pine trees and steep rock faces. Along the coast stand Genoese towers, once used for defense and now serving as landmarks. Beaches of pale sand or pebbles are often accessible only on foot or by boat. The collection leads to places such as Filitosa, where carved stelae stand among olive trees, the Calanche cliffs near Piana, whose reddish rocks are oddly shaped, and the Aiguilles de Bavella, rock spires rising above pine forests. The Scandola nature reserve extends along a jagged coastline, accessible only from the water. Monte Cinto is the island's highest peak and offers views over valleys and bays. Isolated coves such as Saleccia or Plage du Lotu lie behind hills and maquis scrubland. The collection also includes abandoned villages such as Occi, waterfalls dropping into natural pools, and trails through the Fango valley, where the river flows between granite boulders.
Cima di e Follicie
5.9 km
Monte Stello
6.1 km
Torra di Negru
2.7 km
Torra d'Albu
2.7 km
Grotta Scritta
1.7 km
Plage de Nonza
724 m
Torra di Ferringule
5.9 km
Église Sainte-Julie de Nonza
130 m
Église Santa Maria Assunta de Canari
6.8 km
Église Saint-François de Canari
6.7 km
Église Saint-Côme et Saint-Damien de Farinole
6.1 km
Église Saint-François de Nonza
1 km
Église de l'Annonciation à Ogliastro
3.7 km
Église San Quilicu d'Olcani
3.3 km
Église Sant' Andrea d'Olcani
3.7 km
Pont de Negro
2.7 km
Église Saint-Césaire d'Olmeta-di-Capocorso
2.9 km
Ancien couvent de Marianda
7.5 km
Église Saint-Roch d'Olcani
3.6 km
Chapelle Sainte-Julie de Nonza
272 m
Chapelle des familles Martinosi, Moreschi et Acquaviva
292 m
Église Santa-Maria Assunta de Mandriale
7.6 km
Ancien couvent Saint-François de Nonza
1.1 km
Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Canari
6.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean de Santa-Maria-di-Lota
6.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean l'Évangéliste de Sisco
6.1 km
Chapelle San Roccu d'Ogliastro
2.8 km
Ancien couvent Saint-François de Canari
6.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes