Torre dell'Olio, Medieval defensive tower in Spoleto, Italy.
Torre dell'Olio is a medieval defensive tower in Spoleto with thick stone walls that taper as they rise. The structure extends more than 40 meters in height and is currently divided among multiple private residents.
The tower was built around 1300 and became part of Spoleto's defensive network. At that time the city was surrounded by roughly one hundred similar structures that protected the community.
The tower's name comes from a medieval defense method where hot oil was poured from above onto attackers below. This brutal tactic was common practice in fortified cities during times of conflict.
The tower can be viewed from outside and from the surrounding streets which offer good vantage points. Since it houses private residents, approach respectfully and admire the structure from a distance.
The structure contains narrow angled openings in the walls that allowed defenders to monitor the ground below without exposing themselves. These slots represent a clever medieval design feature for protection.
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