Friday, October 9, 2009

Torre di Calafuria

Calafuria tower, LivornoThe “Torre di Calafuria” (Fury Cove Tower) is another former watchtower along the “Romito” trait of the Aurelia road, between Antignano and the hamlet of Quercianella.
The structure was part of a defensive system built in 16th century, stretching from Livorno to the southern edge of the province.Calafuria tower, LivornoIt was restored in the early 20th century at the same time of the construction of the railway bridge on the cove, whose massive central pillar is visible behind the modern road bridge. The tower was used at the time to counter smuggling along the coast.Calafuria tower, LivornoDuring summer it is practically impossible to find a free spot on these rocks, even if these waters could be treacherous for the unexperienced swimmers. A renowned restaurant, obviously called “Calafuria”, lies at the foot of the tower.

See also:

Castello del BoccaleCalignaiaCastel SonninoGreen Lizard's Bay

21 comments:

Layrayski said...

Defensive? Interesting. I think it serves its purpose now in aesthetics. I like views like this.

James said...

I'm always amazed and happy to see such old and wonderful structures. I know everything can't be kept forever but it's nice to see a piece of history.

brattcat said...

Excellent photos and commentary, VP.

tapirgal said...

Once again, another nice photo essay. I love learning about your part of Italia! The beach looks so nice.

Copenhagen said...

I like your new header :)

Cezar and Léia said...

This tower is really beautiful and it stands in a fabulous place. I think those details , I mean about the structures are so interesting!Your pictures are perfect!
Léia :)

Andreea said...

Impressive and sturdy looking. I like the new header.

Unseen Rajasthan said...

What a beautiful and lovely shot !! Would love to see this place someday !!

Fio said...

Amazing photos, interesting commentary.
Have a nice weekend!
P.S. Grazie per la versione italiana ;-)

B SQUARED said...

My choice would be a table at 'Calafuria' and watch the swimmers.

Unknown said...

Wonderful scenery and amazing bridge design!

joo said...

Amazing bridge and the tower. The first photo with the ships in the distance is my favourite:)
Have a nice weekend!

Lowell said...

This stuff is just delightful and amazing to me! So beautiful, VP. I can certainly see why people would be attracted to the area. And I'd love to try out that restaurant - probably couldn't afford it, though!

Excellent photos, too, as usual!

Have a wonderful weekend and greet Trillian! Hope her studies are coming along well.

Jilly said...

Just love these two postings. What a stunning place and you've captured it so well.

VP said...

@ Jacob - You knew something!
Trillian just got her degree this afternoon in Pisa.

cieldequimper said...

Congrats Trillian!
I love old smuggler stories. Blame Daphne du Maurier.
There's a lot of traffic on the sea! I hope the food is as good as the view at the restaurant. Why is it called fury cove?

VP said...

@ ciel - Calafuria as cove of the fury of the sea. It's a very bad spot if the sea isn't calm.
I read my Jamaica Inn many times, many years ago.

Lowell said...

Holy cow! That's amazing! It was strange, but I had the urge to send a greeting to Trillian when I wrote my comment...have no idea why.

I'll bet she's happy and that you're very proud! Congratulations to her and to you for supporting her in her studies!

May the future hold all kinds of undisclosed delights and professional opportunities!

Trillian said...

@ ciel - Thank you for your kind words.
@ Jacob - VP was stunned reading your comment!
I hope you guessed right even your second comment. Thank you... I'll be back!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Great captures of a really beautiful spot. I'd like to see it. IS the food good?

Hilda said...

I think it's a very handsome tower. Strangely enough, round towers seem to be more common than rectangular ones. You'd think flat walls would be easier to build.

Is the restaurant any good?