Torre del Rotolo, Medieval coastal tower in Palermo, Italy.
Torre del Rotolo is a slender stone structure standing between the Addaura and Vergine Maria districts along the seafront promenade. It served as a watchtower for monitoring the sea and detecting approaching threats.
Royal authorities commissioned this coastal watchtower in the early 15th century as part of a defensive system against naval attacks. It was one of several structures built to protect Palermo's shoreline during that period.
The tower is also known as Torre di fra Giovanni and forms part of a chain of coastal lookouts that helped shape local identity. These structures were landmarks for residents, marking the boundary between city and sea.
The tower sits easily accessible along the coastal road and can be viewed from the outside. Visitors should note that the location is exposed to the sea and offers different impressions depending on the weather.
The tower lacked a water cistern and was too small for effective artillery placement. These limitations suggest it served more for spotting and signaling than for direct combat.
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