Torra di Caldanu, Round coastal defense tower near Lumio, France
Torra di Caldanu is a cylindrical stone tower that stands about 12 meters tall with thick walls built for defense. The rooftop platform allowed guards to watch over a wide stretch of the Mediterranean coast and spot approaching threats.
Built by the Genoese Republic between 1530 and 1620, this tower was one of many defensive positions created to protect Corsican shores from pirate attacks. It formed a network that helped defend the island during a period of significant maritime threats.
The tower reflects Genoese military design through its rainwater cistern, vaulted chambers, and protective features. These elements show how people adapted their building methods to coastal defense needs of the era.
You can reach the tower by following coastal hiking trails, which reward you with clear Mediterranean views from the top. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths are hilly and sometimes uneven underfoot.
Guards called torregiani used a clever system of fire and smoke signals to communicate with other towers nearby. This visual network allowed warnings about distant threats to spread quickly along the coast.
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