Capo Nao Tower

Overlooking the Ionian Sea, located at the northern tip of Capo Colonna, stands the Capo Nao Tower, a defensive structure dating back to the 16th century. It is located within the Capo Colonna National Archaeological Park, 10 km from Crotone, and is more simply known as Torre di Nao or Torre Nao.

This solid sandstone tower, typical of the promontory on which it stands, was built under Charles V to defend the borders of the Kingdom of Naples from incursions. It has a square base and is massive and imposing, which is why it was able to withstand the attacks of the Saracens. In 1810, it passed into the hands of the French, who continued to use it for defensive purposes. Following the unification of Italy, the tower finally became the headquarters of a brigade of the Italian Finance Police.

After a period of internal and external restoration, the tower was converted into an antiquarium, housing Greek and Latin underwater archaeological finds discovered in the seabed below the promontory that is home to the sacred area dedicated to Hera Lacinia. In particular, the cargo of a Roman ship from Asia Minor, dating back to the third century AD and recovered from the seabed at Punta Scifo: amphorae, tableware and kitchenware, an oil lamp and a bronze statuette depicting Heracles fighting the deer. Today, these finds have all been transferred to the nearby National Museum of Capo Colonna. Built as a defensive structure, the Nao Tower was virtually impenetrable and equipped with numerous arquebus ports and machicolations at the top, ready to repel enemies.

Originally, there was only one way to enter the tower: climb three flights of stairs leading to a retractable drawbridge and operate it from the inside using a pulley. Today, after renovation, an access door has been created on the ground floor. The promontory and the archaeological area are permeated by an atmosphere of sacredness and beauty, but it is by climbing to the top of the tower that you can enjoy a wonderful view that embraces both the sea and the coastline.