Fortezza del Tocco, 16th century fort in Acireale, Italy
Fortezza del Tocco is a fortress on Sicily's coast built with stone walls between 1592 and 1616 as part of a regional defense network. The structure features bastions and elevated positions designed to monitor and protect the shoreline from seaward threats.
Architects Camillo Camilliani and Vincenzo Geremia designed this fortress following a pirate raid on Acireale in 1582. Construction began to protect the coast from future maritime attacks.
The fortress embodies Sicily's relationship with the sea and shows how coastal communities defended themselves against maritime raiders. People from Acireale still gather on the walls at sunset to enjoy views over the water.
Access is available through Via Santicella 58, where visitors can explore the site and examine the preserved defense structures. The surrounding nature reserve offers a pleasant walk and good views of the fortification from different angles.
The fortress's final artillery pieces were moved to Pinacoteca Zelantea di Acireale in 1834, where they remain on display today. These cannons tell the story of its military importance and can still be seen in the museum.
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