Torre di Collelungo, Coastal tower in Grosseto, Italy
Torre di Collelungo is a coastal tower in Grosseto province with a square footprint spanning three levels and built on a pyramidal base. The structure sits on a small headland directly overlooking the beach and features weapon ports positioned at different heights throughout its walls.
The Republic of Siena built this tower during the Renaissance to protect its coastline against pirates and invaders. The structure was part of a wider defensive network securing Sienese-controlled territory along the Tyrrhenian coast.
The tower shows how coastal communities once defended themselves, with openings designed to accommodate different types of weapons at various levels. This building style was typical for the Maremma region and shaped the appearance of the shoreline for centuries.
The tower is accessible via the A2 hiking trail through Maremma Natural Park, which provides good access to the structure. Wear sturdy footwear as the path can be uneven and sandy in places.
Lightning struck the tower on 31 August 1847, destroying the upper levels where a gunpowder magazine had been stored. This event permanently altered the structure and reduced its military effectiveness.
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