Torre Matilde, Coastal defense tower in Viareggio, Italy

Torre Matilde is a 16th-century coastal tower in Viareggio, built from squared stone blocks taken from the partial demolition of the old castle. It was later raised by one floor and topped with a small bell gable housing two bells. Since 2024 it has housed a digital museum covering over 500 years of Viareggio's history, and visitors can also go up to the panoramic terrace.

The Senate of Lucca ordered construction of this defensive tower between 1534 and 1542 to protect the port from pirate raids. The building was completed during a period when coastal towns in central Italy faced constant threats from sea-based attacks.

The name Torre Matilde stems from a mistaken attribution of the building to Matilda of Canossa; the error is repeated in local usage and in the tower's name. The bells in the small bell tower also summoned the community parliament, and on 4 May 1799 the tower's bell called Viareggio to the anti-Jacobin uprising. Since 22 November 2024 the restored tower houses a digital museum on 500 years of the town's history.

The restored building now functions as a public cultural center hosting temporary art exhibitions and community events. Visitors can plan to spend time exploring the interior spaces and checking what events are happening during their visit.

On 15 April 1780 lightning struck the tower and killed a soldier on guard, yet the nearby gunpowder store was spared. In thanks, the community instituted the feast of the "Voto del comune", suppressed in 1808 and restored in 1821.