Aragonese Tower
Castle
Torre Aragonese, Melissa - Regione Calabria
The Aragonese Tower of Torre Melissa (KR) is a military tower built on a promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea. Its construction dates back to 1500, when, under the rule of the Aragonese of Spain, it was built to control the possessions and repel the incursions of pirates arriving from the sea and Venetian enemies. It was probably Viceroy Pedro Alvarez de Toledo who ordered the construction of this and a series of other coastal towers.
Over the centuries, the tower has passed into the hands of various noble families and is currently owned by the Municipality of Melissa. This tower, known as a “torrazzo”, has some distinctive features that set it apart from all other coastal towers: an octagonal plan, an internal courtyard and three floors. The Aragonese Tower offers breathtaking views of the Marchesato coast, stretching from Punta Alice to Capo Colonna.
Its iconic profile stands out against the blue sea and is a symbol of a territory known above all for its wine production (Melissa and Cirò DOC) with a thousand-year history. Inside, there is a small Museum of Rural Life, which displays ancient tools, utensils and objects from rural life in the past and illustrates the local history and its typical products.
