Torre Buranaccio: Sentinel of the Tuscan Coast

Torre Buranaccio, located on the coast of Capalbio in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is a captivating historical landmark. This well-preserved tower stands as the southernmost coastal defense tower on Tuscany's Tyrrhenian coast. Built around the mid-16th century, the tower likely replaced a pre-existing medieval structure. It functioned as a crucial defensive outpost for the State of the Presidi, guarding the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State. The architecture of Torre Buranaccio is reminiscent of the Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano. The tower has a square structure over three levels, built on a sturdy, sloping base. Its stone walls are remarkably thick, measuring between two and three meters. The upper part of the tower features large corbels supporting the terrace, which originally likely had a parapet. A small rectangular structure rises from one corner of the terrace. In the early 20th century, the composer Giacomo Puccini, a guest of the Collacchioni family who owned much of the Capalbio area, often spent time here, enjoying hunting expeditions on the lake. Today, Torre Buranaccio is located within the WWF Oasis of Lake Burano, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. While the tower is privately owned and not always open to the public, it can be visited on rare occasions, such as during the Oasis festival. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of the lake, the sea, and the Mediterranean scrub.