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 structure shows how coastal people protected their home from seaborne threats over many centuries. The tower's position and design reflect the way residents lived and kept watch from this exposed location.
You can reach the tower by following a coastal path from the nearest parking area that provides good access. The walk to the coast involves moderate hiking, so most visitors can make the journey without difficulty.
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.
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