By order of Charles III of Bourbon, this tower was built to defend the Sicilian coast, just above the port of Cala Santa Maria. All the towers on Ustica were equipped with bells to serve as warnings in case of raids. <\/p>\n
The Santa Maria tower was part of the defensive system for spotting Saracen ships and was in visual contact with the Torre dello Spalmatore and the 10 watchtowers built around the island, while an additional watchtower stood atop Monte Guardia dei Turchi at 238 meters. It also corresponded with the Bourbon fortification of 1763 and a lookout post, possibly the Rivellino di San Giuseppe, built as an outpost in front of the Falconiera fortress in 1804. <\/p>\n
Today, the tower is in poor condition and cannot be visited inside. Originally, entry was via a drawbridge, now replaced by a masonry ramp. The upper floor is accessible via an iron staircase. 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