Torre Sant'Antonio, Watchtower in Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Italy

Torre Sant'Antonio is a cylindrical stone tower about 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter standing along the coast of Santa Caterina dello Ionio in Calabria. Today it houses exclusive apartments and provides direct access to both private and public beach areas.

Dated to the 13th century, the tower is considered the earliest or one of the earliest on the southern Ionian coast, preceding similar Angevin and Durazzesque towers of the late 14th century. It was guarded by two mounted cavallari who patrolled the shore in turn. After the 1638 earthquake, inspector Blanch reported it had been destroyed by the Turks before the quake and needed 300 ducats; in 1810 it served in the customs system.

The name "cavallara" comes from the two mounted guards, each called a Cavallaro, who patrolled the shore in turn; the surname spread from this duty. In 1778 abbot Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non, touring the coast, found the tower overrun by fleas and sheltered in the small chapel beside it. In the 19th century the tower became the centre of a fishing hamlet with a landing for ships, served by the chapel of Porto Salvo.

Access to the tower can vary depending on the season and private operations since it now functions as a resort. It is best to inquire ahead before planning a visit, particularly if you want to view or photograph it from outside.

The tower's guards were called cavallari, horsemen who patrolled the shore in turns; the surname Cavallaro spread from this duty. In 1778 abbot Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non, touring Calabria, found the tower so overrun by fleas that he and his party took refuge in the small chapel beside it and slept on the altar steps.