They are relatively recent, but their presence has profoundly characterized the territory. Given the considerable quantity present on its coastal strip, Villaputzu could be called the city of towers. All built during the 16th century for the interest of the Aragonese, they managed to create an effective and functional defensive system. The objective was to repel frequent Muslim attacks; for this reason the towers were commonly armed with naval artillery and it was chosen to locate them in strategic points. This is to spot the enemy well in advance, sending timely reports to nearby villages and the population.
They are part of the ancient defensive system of Villaputzu the towers of Murtas, Of San Lorenzo, Of Motta, Of Porto Corallo, from the Saline e di Capo Ferrato.
The Tower of Porto Corallo
Work on its construction began in 1592 and the large tower that dominated in a strategic position was useful in repelling many attempted Barbary attacks.. It can still be visited today, it watches over the small port and offers those who reach it a panorama that extends over the entire coast.
It is located approximately 15 meters above sea level, its shape is cylindrical and visual contact with the other towers is guaranteed in any weather condition. However, on nice days the view extends clearly until you reach Mount Arrubio, of the Torre delle Saline and that of Capo Ferrato.
Just to give some numbers, the Porto Corallo Tower is 14 meters high, it has a circumference of over 30 and allowed direct control and defense of the entire territory, of the Flumendosa delta, of the commercial port and the entire coast. This was quite famous for the coral trade that once abounded in the marine bed.
The news confirms that the Porto Corallo Tower was attacked at least twice:
- 1801 – corsairs attempt to take the tower without success;
- 1812 – Della Marmora speaks of an attack by a Barbary fleet coming from Tunisia. Even in this case the attempts had no effect.
The Tower of Murtas
Beautifully displayed from the red mountain, Mount Arrubiu precisely. It was built in 1573 and the view offered is beautiful and evocative. At a glance you can take in a good portion of the coast and Villaputzese territory. Compared to the Porto Corallo Tower, that of Murtas is positioned much higher and its purpose was precisely that of main defensive bastion. He probably had the possibility of intercepting the arrival of the invaders before the others and his task was to raise the alarm throughout the territory..
The visual communication between the towers allowed the entire territory to be quickly alerted and defended properly. This also happened thanks to the active participation of the population. The Murtas Tower is today in excellent condition given the recent renovation.
Tower of San Lorenzo and Torre Motta
The Tower of San Lorenzo is located on the promontory of the same name and was built during the early 17th century. His position, like that of the sister towers, it is highly strategic and from its summit it was possible to identify the advance of potential invaders well in advance. It is no coincidence that it has long been considered a real cornerstone of the defense system of the entire Sarrabus.
The Motta Tower instead was built during 1570. It was chosen to position it at 132 meters above sea level, on the top of what is today called Punta Pranedda. Even today the Tower is in visual communication with those of San Lorenzo and Porto Corallo.
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