Torre degli Appiani, Coastal defense tower in Marciana Marina, Italy
Torre degli Appiani is a circular stone tower standing at the western end of Marciana Marina harbor with a cone-shaped base. The elevated entrance is reached by an external staircase, and multiple arrow slits perforate the thick stone walls.
The structure was built in the second half of the 16th century as a coastal defense post. It remained under the control of the Principality of Piombino until that rule ended in 1815.
The tower takes its name from the Appiani family, who ruled the island for centuries and used such structures to display their power. Today the name recalls this local rule that shapes how people understand the harbor's past.
The tower sits directly on the harbor and is easily reached on foot while walking through the marina. Location by the water means weather and tides can affect how accessible the surrounding area feels.
The tower was originally called Torre della Novaglia, named after the Latin word for fallow land that once surrounded it. Later it became the home of writer Raffaello Brignetti before a citizens campaign led to it returning to state ownership.
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