Torre della Linguella, Medieval defense tower in Portoferraio, Italy.
Torre della Linguella is an octagonal tower standing at the harbor entrance of Portoferraio with a terrace supported by stone brackets. Its walls are built from red brick accented with white marble bands that create a distinctive visual pattern.
Giovanni Camerini designed this defensive structure in 1548 under Cosimo de Medici's direction to protect Portoferraio's harbor from maritime attacks. The fortification became a key part of the coastal defense system against pirates and enemy naval forces.
The tower's transformation from a military fortress to a prison reflected the changing social and political landscape of the Italian peninsula through centuries.
The tower opens to visitors for exhibitions during summer months, while the exterior area remains accessible year-round during the tourist season. It is best to check specific visiting hours in advance since they vary by season.
A heavy chain once connected this tower to the Gallo Tower across the harbor, creating a physical barrier that could be raised or lowered to control ship entry. This system allowed officials to manage harbor access without maintaining continuous watch from both towers.
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