Saracen Tower in Piraino
The Saracen Tower in Piraino is a control and defense tower which was part of the coastal sighting system, and at the same time performed the function of defense of the ancient centre.
It stands out on the highest part of the ridge on which the town stands and dominates the stretch of coast that from Capo d'Orlando reaches Capo Calavà and, in the opposite direction, the hinterland of the valley of the Sant'Angelo torrent up to the Etna volcano.
Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, made of sandstone, has a circular plan with a diameter of 9 m and a height of 16 metres. At the base of the tower you can see the remains of a second and more internal walled perimeter.
The tower is divided into three levels connected to each other by an internal staircase. Externally, the entrance door to the tower can be reached via a modern ramp made of iron.
