Torre del Coltellazzo, Military tower and museum in Pula, Italy.
Torre del Coltellazzo is a sandstone tower standing on a promontory that was built as a coastal defense structure. The building combines defensive features with an operating lighthouse system for maritime guidance.
Spanish forces built this coastal defense tower in the late 1500s to watch ship movements in the western Gulf of Cagliari. Fortified walls and turrets were added in the 1700s, followed later by a lighthouse from the 1800s.
The tower displays exhibits about regional military history and continues to serve as a navigation aid for ships. The collection shows how this place has protected the coast across generations.
The site is located at Viale Nora 25 in Pula and provides parking, a cafe, a bookstore, and free internet access. The grounds are easy to reach, and both indoor and outdoor areas can be explored in a few hours.
The lighthouse still operates today, allowing visitors to see both a historical structure and an active navigation system in one place. This dual function is uncommon and shows how monuments can remain alive and serve their original purpose.
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