Torre Cabrera

Pozzallo, Italy

The Torre Cabrera was originally built in the 15th century, and was enlarged and rebuilt in the following centuries. Today, it is in good condition and it is open to the public as a museum.

In the 15th century, the site of Pozzallo had natural springs known as 'Pozzofeto' and 'Senia', which were marked on nautical charts and were well known among sailors. When the Chiaramontes, Counts of Modica built a warehouse complex containing docks and ramps for the loading of goods on ships, it became necessary to construct fortifications in order to defend the area. In the early 15th century, King Alfonso V of Aragon authorized Count Giovanni Bernardo Cabrera to construct a tower which bore his name. The coat of arms of the House of Cabrera is sculpted inside the tower.

The tower became an impressive structure and it had great military importance, since it was used to defend Pozzallo from attacks by pirates. The tower was garrisoned by soldiers and gunners, and guns of different calibers were placed on its terraces. Captured pirates or other criminals were executed at the tower by being placed in a room on the rocks and being drowned by the high tide.

The tower was modified and enlarged in the first half of the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Charles V.

The tower collapsed during the 1693 Sicily earthquake. It was rebuilt, although some modifications were made to its original design.

Today, the tower is in good condition, and it is now open to the public as the Museo della torre Cabrera. The building is a national monument, and it is depicted on the coat of arms of Pozzallo. Some of its windows have been rebuilt in their original style.

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Details

Founded: 1584
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

maria stella (4 years ago)
Magnificent structure dating back to the fifteenth century, the defensive tower built to protect the port seems intact.The beauty lies in the three-light windows that, looking at them, make knights and princes dream ready to conquer you with dances to the melody of harps and with precious gifts
Enzo Portos (5 years ago)
Suggestions
John J Cefai (5 years ago)
The Sicilians are great for decor and even greater food magicians but the dirt on the beaches (sand, rocks and the sea) in the form of plastic, glass and cigarette butts is really off-putting and a sad spectacle.
Davide Modica (5 years ago)
Nice place for fishing
Rostislav Zhelev (5 years ago)
If like the smell of sea and tranquility of the small city... So, visit Torre Cabrera in Pozzallo.
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