Torre Marrana, one of the symbols of Ricadi. This is an ancient tower built in the 16th century, part of a defensive and lookout system for coastal control. In ancient times, the tower warned of the arrival of Saracen ships that ventured into our seas to plunder our lands.
Defensive system
The defensive system of the time had seven towers, all located on the coast and communicating with each other via smoke signals. Torre Marrana is one of the best preserved, along with Bali Tower, Ruffa Tower, Tuono Tower and Tower of Capo VaticanoTorre Santa Maria and Torre Marino, however, are now just toponyms. All defensive outposts scattered throughout the territory. Specifically, Torre Marrana is part of the archaeological complex of Ricadi; in the same area there is also theamphitheatre used for shows and theatrical performances.
From an archaeological point of view the area is rich in evidence: in the Bagneria district some tombs dating back to between the Middle Bronze Age and Recent Bronze AgeOn the promontory of Torre Santa Maria, the remains of a Greek dwelling that controlled the landing of ships were found. Nearby, the remains of a Roman complex from the late Republican era with port facilities were found. The hypothesis supported by archaeologists is that the sea area corresponding to the promontory of Torre Santa Maria is the well-known "port of Hercules”, the “portus Erculis” cited by authors of the classical age such as Strabo and Pliny.
Marrana Tower
Marrana is built with a circular plan and occupies a surface area of approximately 60 square meters and a volume of approximately 130 cubic meters. Its current height is approximately six meters, resting on a rock. Defense and watchtowers typically consisted of a room above another chamber intended to collect rainwater and therefore function as a cistern. This type of construction ended with a covered terrace, needed for observation and accessible via an internal staircase. A small fortress that served to defend the territory from enemy incursions.
(Photo Commons Wikimedia)
