Tour de Batère, Medieval watchtower in Corsavy, France
The Tour de Batère is a round military tower standing in the Corsican mountains with two original levels and an interior diameter of about 4.5 meters. The structure sits at an elevation of around 1436 meters and commands views over the surrounding terrain.
Built around 1340 during the Kingdom of Majorca period, the tower served as a strategic communication point against potential threats from the Kingdom of Aragon. Its mountain location made it crucial to the defensive strategy of the region.
The tower formed part of a network of signal towers that transmitted messages using fire at night and smoke signals during daylight. This communication system allowed information to travel quickly across the mountain ridges.
Visitors can reach the tower by following a dirt road from Corsavy toward Valmanya, with parking available near the mountain pass as a starting point. The final approach on foot can be demanding depending on weather and mountain conditions at that elevation.
The structure contained an internal water cistern and a fireplace, showing advanced design features for a medieval military installation. These practical elements allowed longer garrison stays and faster signaling without needing to leave the site.
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