Torre normanna, Norman military tower in Tricarico, Italy.

The Torre Normanna is a medieval tower in Tricarico with thick stone walls and defensive features like battlements and drainage holes. The structure rises in multiple stories and reflects the building techniques of its era.

The tower was the keep (maschio) of the castle that stood at the southern edge of Tricarico. In 1333 the castle alone was given to the Poor Clares to found a monastery, after the feudal lords moved to a new castle in the town centre, today the ducal palace. The tower kept a military role until the 17th century within the town's defences, and in the Angevin period a sloping base (scarpa) was added to strengthen it. Much of its battlements still stood until 1605, when they were removed.

The tower remains intertwined with the cathedral and ducal palace as defining structures of Tricarico's historic center. These three monuments together shape how the town presents itself today.

The tower stands on the rocky ridge of the Monte district, at the southern edge of Tricarico's historic centre, and is reached on foot through the old streets. The summit is open, with no walls around the crowning arches, so watch your step near the edge. From the top the view reaches Monte Vulture to the north-west and Apulia to the north-east.

At the tower's top sits a specific stone that creates an echo effect when stepped on, sounding like speaking in a hollow space. Most visitors miss this unexpected acoustic surprise.