Torre di Palidoro

Torre di Palidoro is a coastal defense tower standing roughly 20 meters tall with a square base, built upon the remains of an ancient Roman villa. Inside you will find a museum space that tells the story of Salvo D'Acquisto and the events of 1943 on the ground floor and first floor.

The tower was built between the 8th and 9th centuries as a defense against Saracen invasions. Later it underwent restoration work during the 16th century by the Archispedale di Santo Spirito.

This is where Carabinieri Vice Brigadier Salvo D'Acquisto gave his life to protect 22 civilians from Nazi forces in 1943. People who visit today recognize the site as a place of personal courage during one of history's darkest periods.

The tower sits within the Roman Coastal Nature Reserve and can be visited through guided tours. These visits allow you to explore the local plants and wildlife in the surrounding parkland while learning about the site.

The tower sits on top of archaeological layers that connect it to Roman occupation of the coast. Beneath the structure lie remnants of an ancient villa that tell a story of settlement changes across many centuries.