Torre Truglia, Coastal defense tower in Sperlonga, Italy.
Torre Truglia is a stone tower that stands on a rocky point jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The structure features thick walls built in Renaissance military style, designed to defend itself from attack on both land and water sides.
Construction began in 1532, using Roman foundations that lay beneath the site. After Ottoman pirates destroyed it in 1534, it was fully rebuilt in 1611 and then served coastal defense purposes for centuries.
The name refers to an old local family with deep roots in fishing traditions along this coast. Today it stands as a reminder of how the sea has shaped the identity and survival of this small town for generations.
The tower is roughly a ten-minute walk from Sperlonga's town center and can be reached via paths from either the town or the beach. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the approach follows rocky terrain that can become slippery when wet.
Today the tower houses a marine education center where visitors learn about the plants and animals living in Mediterranean waters. From this vantage point, it is possible to spot dolphins and observe the rocky cliffs up close.
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