Tower of Roccapreturo, Medieval defensive tower in Acciano, Italy

The Tower of Roccapreturo is a medieval watchtower about ten metres high with a pentagonal section, standing on a rocky spur above the village of Roccapreturo in the municipality of Acciano. It is a walled tower: the tower stood in the upper part of an enclosure whose wall followed the rough rocky terrain and served as a refuge for inhabitants in times of danger. The enclosure has disappeared, leaving only the tower, restored in 2019.

The village of Roccapreturo appears in the 10th century in a document recording a donation of Valva territory to the abbey of Farfa; by the late 12th century it was a fief of Gualtiero, son of Gionata di Collepietro. The fortification probably grew after the Norman invasion, and in 1239 Frederick II of Swabia ordered several local strongholds strengthened, Roccapreturo among them. It was taxed by Charles I of Anjou in 1269 and in 1409 is listed in the Aquilan district of S. Giorgio.

The name Roccapreturo derives from the Latin Praetorium, and a 1400 source calls the site "Roca di Preturo", fortress on the rock. The tower stood with those of Beffi and Goriano Valli in a watch system guarding the territory, and its enclosing wall served as a refuge for the inhabitants in times of danger.

The tower is accessible by following marked paths through Acciano, with morning hours offering the best natural light to see the stone walls clearly. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the routes pass over uneven terrain.

The tower is about ten metres high on a pentagonal plan, standing on a rocky spur above the village. It was a walled tower: the enclosure wall followed the harsh rocky terrain and gave the inhabitants refuge in times of danger. The wall has disappeared, leaving only the tower, restored in 2019.