The Tower of Castelforte
At the highest point of the old town stands the tall square tower known locally as il Mastio. This was built by the Caetani family during the 14th century. The watchtower had a wide view of the coastline and plains, and was able to guard against possible invasions. There were other smaller towers positioned around the town’s fortified walls which formed an excellent defence system. The main tower was used to send communications to other local watchtowers in the neighbouring villages of Ventosa and Suio. It has no door, it was accessed through a high window by using a ladder. The structure was destroyed during the conflict of the Second World War, but has subsequently been rebuilt. Closeby is a courtyard known as il baljo and the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its newer tower named il Torre Civica.
