26/10/2025: The Pozzillo Tower, without its pistil, is a coastal defense tower that was part of Sicily's coastal tower system. It is located in the "Puzziddu" area, right at the highway junction for the Falcone e Borsellino Airport at Punta Raisi in the province of Palermo, within the municipality of Cinisi. It is state property and is easily accessible, with free access. Construction began in the first half of the 17th century, as it was not surveyed in 1578 by royal architect Tiburzio Spannocchi during his survey. Even at the time of Camillo Camilliani's survey in 1584, it still did not appear to have been built, despite his finding that the cove in front of it could accommodate 25 galleys: "there could fit 25 galleys." In 1625, the tower was not yet completed, although the records of the Deputation of the Kingdom of Sicily already listed its guardians and "torrari." Again from the records of the Deputation of the Kingdom of Sicily, in 1691 we learn that it had been entrusted to the Prince of Carini and that the garrison consisted of three men in total, including the artilleryman. From 1714 to 1717, the same records show that the armament consisted of: 1 bronze cannon with a wheeled carriage; 2 mortars; 6 arquebuses; 1 bronze culverin (known as a "masculo" or "mascolo"); 5 halberds; 28 cannonballs. In 1811, it is mentioned because its garrison was arrested for cowardice in the face of the enemy after failing to intervene to assist an American vessel attacked by pirates. The tower is mentioned in 1823 in the official cartography of the Bourbon army, but under the name of "torre nuova" (new tower). In 1867, it was included in the list of military structures to be decommissioned. It is currently unused and is in fair condition following restoration work beginning in 1970. It somewhat reflects the Camillian style. Today, an opening on the ground floor, located above the former cistern, leads to the first floor, which consists of three rectangular rooms. The largest, the one facing the land, is approximately 8 meters high on the longest side. The vault is barrel-vaulted, as is the custom, and approximately 5 meters high. A fireplace is located on the right wall, and a built-in cupboard on the left. The central wall contains a well that allowed water to be drawn from the cistern below. A stone staircase consisting of two ramps, set into the exterior southeast wall, leads to the roof. The terrace parapet was restored during restoration work in the last century.
20/10/2025: Lovely historic sight with a great beach and fantastic views
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