Torra di Fautea, Genoese tower in Zonza, France

Torra di Fautea is a round stone tower standing on a coastal cliff in Zonza, offering views across the Mediterranean Sea. The structure has thick walls and a compact form typical of defensive towers from this era.

The tower was built in the 16th century when Genoa fortified the Corsican coast with defensive structures. These towers arose in response to frequent pirate raids and invasions threatening the island.

The tower's name comes from the Corsican 'Torra di Fautea', after the Punta di Fautea where it stands. It was one of the coastal watch posts of the Republic of Genoa, and a 1601 document records payment to a soldier charged with guarding it. Today it belongs to the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse, which maintains it with the Conservatoire du littoral.

The tower stands on the Punta di Fautea headland at 32 metres above the sea, reached on foot along paths across the scrub and rock of the point. The site is owned by the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse under an agreement with the Conservatoire du littoral, which is acquiring the surrounding headland. There are no facilities at the tower itself.

Guards used fire and smoke signals to relay messages between neighboring towers across long distances. This system was the fastest communication method of the time and allowed the coast to receive quick warnings of approaching threats.