Sperlonga’s Truglia Tower

Truglia Tower, Sperlonga, ItalyItaly’s coastline is dotted by picturesque watchtowers. These have a long history – and were generally constructed to thwart off Ottoman or Saracen invasions. Luckily, today they are merely photogenic spots.

One such tower is in the town of Sperlonga – a pretty, medieval beach town south of Rome, on Lazio’s southern coast.

I’ve already written about postcard-perfect Sperlonga and its past as a sea resort to Emperors.

Sperlonga’s Truglia tower actually dates back to the Ancient Roman era, when Tiberius had his summer palace here. Those ruins were built upon in the 9th century, when a new tower was constructed to guard against Saracen invasions that were leaving their base in Sicily.

Truglia Tower, Sperlonga, ItalyThe tower would be reconstructed once again in 1532, and only two years later would be severely damaged in the attacks of the Ottoman naval admiral Khayr al-Din Barbarossa (Red Beard).

In 1611, the tower was reconstructed once again, only to be destroyed in 1623 by the Ottomans.

You start to get the drill …

The tower would be rebuilt and used by the Guardia Finanza from 1870 to 1969.

Today, it is open to tourists free of charge. Visitors can climb up to the terrace and admire the breathtaking views over the crystalline waters … luckily, free from Ottoman and Saracen invaders.

Enjoy Sperlonga and its spectacular Truglia Tower.

Truglia Tower, Sperlonga, Italy

Truglia Tower, Sperlonga, Italy

Truglia Tower, Sperlonga, Italy

3 Comments

  1. evelyneholingue on July 19, 2018 at 1:49 am

    Italy is so-o photogenic! Beautiful, Kimberley.

    • kimberlysullivan on July 19, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      Admittedly, it is, Evelyne …. which makes me into an effortless photographer. Sadly, my photos look a lot more mediocre when I’m not pointing at all the stunning scenery…

  2. battlecastnet on September 27, 2018 at 2:10 am

    Great view of the tower. I was interested to see what they look like. Thanks for posting!

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