Torre della Pelosa, Coastal watchtower in Stintino, Italy
Torre della Pelosa is a circular stone tower standing on a promontory between Isola Piana and Capo Falcone, positioned to monitor maritime traffic heading toward the Gulf of Asinara. The structure rises approximately 10 meters high with perimeter walls roughly 2.5 meters thick and contains three internal chambers connected by a narrow staircase.
The tower was built before 1578 as a defensive structure housing a garrison of five soldiers armed with cannons and rifles to protect the coast. Military operations at the site ended in 1846, marking the end of its strategic role in coastal defense.
The tower takes its name from the nearby beach Sa Palosa, which refers to the seagrass deposits that wash up along this coastal stretch. Visitors can still see how the landscape and the structure are linked through this local naming tradition.
Access to the tower is best during favorable weather, as it sits on a rocky coastal point with challenging terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and proceed carefully around the structure, as the rocks underfoot are uneven and the shoreline can be rough.
The garrison entered the tower through retractable ropes or wooden ladders that led to a doorway positioned about 6 meters above ground. This unusual design added an extra layer of defense by making unauthorized access much more difficult.
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