Tower of Martinsicuro, Coastal tower in Martinsicuro, Italy

The Tower of Martinsicuro, also called Torre di Carlo V, stands near the mouth of the Tronto River in the municipality of Martinsicuro, province of Teramo. It is a brick construction on a square base with three levels divided by two rounded stone string courses. A two-slope roof, probably replacing the original battlements, rests on projecting corbels with machicolations; a passage links it to the former customs house.

The fortification was built in 1547 as part of a defensive system to protect local communities from pirate raids. It was one of several fortifications along this coast that guarded against invaders from the sea during the Renaissance period.

The tower and the adjoining customs house now house the Scuola Blu environmental education centre of Legambiente and, since 2009, the Museo archeologico Antiquarium di Castrum Truentinum. The name Martinsicuro comes from Captain Martin de Segura, who directed the construction. On the east facade, an aedicule frames the arms of Don Pedro de Toledo beneath those of Charles V, with the double-headed Habsburg eagle and the Golden Fleece.

The building is accessible throughout the year and sits alongside beaches where you can walk and explore the coast. Other places in Teramo province are easy to reach from here if you want to expand your visit.

The tower was designed by Pedro Luis Escrivà, the Valencian military architect who also planned Castel Sant'Elmo in Naples and the Spanish Fort in L'Aquila. Construction was overseen by Captain Martin de Segura, from whom both the tower and the town of Martinsicuro take their name.