Tower of Velia, Medieval tower in Ascea, Italy

The Tower of Velia is a medieval structure built with thick stone walls and narrow window openings designed for coastal defense. It sits within a landscape that also contains remains of the ancient Greek city of Velia, showing the overlap of different settlement periods in the same location.

The tower was built during the medieval period as part of a defensive system along the Tyrrhenian coast designed to protect the region from attacks. Construction at this location was possible because the area had been valued for its strategic coastal position since ancient times.

The name "della Bruca" comes from Castellammare della Bruca, the village that grew around the tower once the Saracen threat faded; it stayed inhabited until the second half of the 17th century, with no residents recorded from 1669. The settlement was later destroyed by the 20th-century excavations that uncovered the Greek colony of Velia.

The tower stands near Castellammare della Bruca in Ascea, within the archaeological area of Velia. Its raised entrance was originally reached only by ropes; a drawbridge and a small square stair turret were added later. The three floors are linked by a helical staircase, so expect steps and uneven ground.

The tower's entrance was originally raised above ground level, with no external stairs or drawbridge, so it could only be reached by ropes. A drawbridge and a small square turret with a staircase were added later at the entrance. The three floors inside are linked by a helical staircase.