Torre Squillace, Renaissance coastal tower in Nardò, Italy.
Torre Squillace is a square tower on the coast of Nardò, standing about 50 meters from the sea at a low elevation. It displays typical military architecture of the Mediterranean coast, built with solid construction designed for defense purposes.
The tower was completed in 1570 by Pensino Tarantino from Copertino as part of a coastal defense system against Turkish and Corsair attacks. It represents a period when fortifications were urgently built to counter maritime threats along southern Italy's coastline.
Locals also call the tower Li Scianuri or Li Scianuli, names recorded alongside Torre Squillace. The tower stood between Torre Cesarea to the north and Torre Sant'Isidoro to the south, part of a chain of coastal watch posts. A stone external staircase added in 1640 gave access to the upper level.
The tower is accessible from the land and offers clear views toward the coast and neighboring defensive structures. It is best visited during daylight to fully appreciate the structure and the surrounding coastal landscape.
The tower was built by the Copertino master mason Pensino Tarantino between 1567 and 1570, not by the Spalletta family. In 1640 a large external stone staircase was added for access. Inside are a well and a barrel-vaulted room with a fireplace.
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