Torre di Carcangiolas, Historic coastal tower in Quartu Sant'Elena, Italy.
Torre di Carcangiolas is a cylindrical stone structure built from limestone and granite that extends partially into the sea along the shoreline. The upper portion tapers toward the top, and portions of the tower now rest beneath the water surface.
The tower was built before 1591 during Spanish rule over Sardinia. A partial collapse occurred in December 1979 when strong waves damaged the structure, altering its appearance permanently.
The tower was part of a defensive network that protected coastal settlements from pirates and enemy attacks. This type of watchtower shaped the Sardinian shoreline for centuries and reveals how vital sea defense was to local communities.
The structure sits right at the water line and is harder to reach during high tide than at low tide. It helps to scout the area before visiting to find the best time and safest route to the tower.
Portions of the structure were torn away from the foundation by the force of the sea and now rest on the seabed. This damage allows visitors to see parts of the tower that would normally be hidden, revealing how nature eventually overpowers human construction.
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