Torra di Calvi, Genoese defense tower in the Citadel of Calvi, France.
The Torra di Calvi is a defense tower within the Calvi Citadel featuring thick stone walls and narrow apertures that overlook the Mediterranean. The structure rises prominently from the citadel complex and opens toward the bay on several sides.
Built in 1495 as a strategic watchtower and storage facility, the structure was an early component of Calvi's defensive system. Over centuries, it became a key element within the larger citadel fortifications that still stand today.
The tower takes its name from salt storage that once occupied its lower levels, reflecting how local commerce shaped the structure. This practical purpose reveals how defense and trade were intertwined in the citadel's daily life.
Access is available during the warmer months and requires advance planning due to limited opening times. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and know that entry is restricted to small groups at once.
Inside, a vaulted passage once connected the harbor to the waterfront, revealing how the structure served both commerce and defense. This hidden corridor often goes unnoticed, though it showcases the practical purpose that defined the tower's role.
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