Capo Suvero Tower
Castle
Torre di Capo Suvero, Gizzeria - Regione Calabria
The Capo Suvero watchtower is also known as the Ogliastro Tower and is located in Gizzeria (CZ), on a stretch of coastline known as the mouth of the wind due to its characteristic windiness.
The structure is no longer intact and appears to be split in two, but it is worth visiting because from here you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and a spectacular view of the Aeolian Islands and the entire Gulf of Sant'Eufemia.
The tower stands on a promontory 38 metres above sea level and, together with other towers and the Bastion of Malta (located in Lamezia Terme), was part of the coastal defence system built by the Spanish to counter Turkish invasions. Its construction dates back to the mid-16th century when, in order to deal with the constant pirate raids, the Viceroy of Naples, Don Pedro de Toledo, on the orders of the Spanish crown, required the community to strengthen the coastal defences on the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia.
The Capo Suvero Tower has a truncated cone shape and thick walls made of local stone, probably recovered from the remains of older fortresses. The strong earthquake that damaged it occurred in 1638, and the tower keeper and his assistant lost their lives under the rubble.
