Torre del Telegrafo, Ascea, Semaphore tower in Ascea, Italy.
Torre del Telegrafo is a square-based watchtower that rises from a rocky headland overlooking the Gulf of Velia and marking the southern end of Ascea's sandy coastline. The structure commands views across the water and stands as a recognizable landmark along this stretch of coast.
The tower was built in the 16th century as a defensive structure for the Kingdom of Naples against pirate raids and maritime attacks. It formed part of a broader coastal protection strategy during an era when sea-based threats were constant.
The tower functioned as one link in a chain of lookout posts scattered across the coastline that exchanged signals to warn nearby settlements of threats at sea. The structure reflects how people organized their defense by connecting isolated communities through visual communication.
The route to the tower is well-marked and accessible via the trail called 'sentiero degli innamorati' which leads to a viewpoint with broad panoramic views. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is rocky and slopes steeply in places.
The site is home to Genista cilentina, a rare plant found nowhere else that was first identified here in 1993. Visitors exploring the headland may spot this uncommon botanical feature among the rocks and soil.
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