Torre Civette, Coastal defense tower in Pian d'Alma, Italy.
Torre Civette is a coastal defense tower standing on a promontory south of Cala Violina in Scarlino municipality, near where the Alma stream reaches the sea. The structure has a rectangular base with multiple stories and fully plastered walls that were recently restored to their current appearance.
The tower was rebuilt in the 16th century to replace an earlier medieval fortification that served the defense system of the Principality of Piombino. This reconstruction responded to the military needs of the time against seaborne threats in the region.
The tower shows how coastal defense structures were later converted into homes, reflecting changing needs of the territory over time. Walking around it, you can notice how the building adapted its purpose while keeping its recognizable form.
The tower sits on a natural promontory with clear views along the coastline, making it reasonably accessible for visitors with basic mobility. Open ground surrounds the structure, and paths lead toward its base for closer inspection.
During 18th-century renovations, a four-sloped roof replaced the original flat terrace at the summit, significantly changing how the tower appears from a distance. This modification reflects how the building adapted to serve as a private residence rather than a military post.
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