| Coastal
Towers
From the earliest times, our coasts were the object of invasion
by barbarians and, to protect these villages, a static defence
system of small fortresses was gradually built, from the C8th-16th.
This was, in practice, a network of look-out towers with artillery
to guard against Arab raids first and Barbarian pirates later.
Philip II, having to face this problem, decided to construct truncated
cone-shaped towers, having a single floor and entrance via ropes,
located several metres above the ground, to be removed in case
of attack.
They were erected on headlands and islands which represented strategic
points, in such a position to guarantee visual communication with
the towers on either side.
The towers were of three types: robust, “senzillas”
and “Torrezillas”, which differed according to size,
for the presence of an official (called the “Alcade”),
for the number of soldiers and for the type and quantity of the
weapons used.
The are 6 towers, each built entirely of stone with a truncated
cone form, to guarantee 360 degree visibility of the entire area:
- Tower of Cala Pira
This is found in excellent condition, overlooking Cala Pira beach,
in the territory of Castiadas and is reached by following the
Villasimius-Cala Sinzias road. This tower is important because,
being in visual contact with St Louis Tower on the island of Serpentara,
it represents the northernmost station of the defensive system
on the south-east coast.
It is characterised by a vaulted chamber held up by a central
pillar. Through a semicircular stairway one reaches the terrace
above where the weapons and ammunition was placed.
It is classified as a “senzillas” tower, being of
medium size, guarded by an “alcade”, an artilleryman
and two or three soldiers.Its arsenal comprised: two canons, a
heavy mounted rifle and three guns.
- - Tower of San Luigi (St Louis)
Found on the island of Serpentara, this tower is clearly visible
from the coast because positioned on the highest point of the
island. It is in good condition and is open to visitors by boat
with a guide. It maintains visual contact with the towers of Cala
Pira , the Island dei Cavoli, Porto Giunco and Porcedus. San Luigi
represents the northernmost bastion of the south-east coast’s
defences. It was built in 1639, has a height of 12m and width
of 12.5m. Unlike other towers, access is via an outside granite
stairway, which leads to the main entrance door.
It is classified as a fortress tower, i.e. one of considerable
size, characterised by a vaulted room and held up by a central
pillar and surrounded by other smaller areas. It was undoubtedly
used by the tower guardians, presumably six of them, and composed
of an “alcade”, an artilleryman and four soldiers.
Through an spiral staircase, one accedes to the above terrace,
where the weapons and ammunition were positioned. The weaponry
was made up of four large calibre canons, two heavy mounted rifles
and five guns.
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