What is the history of the Torre di Capo d'Uomo?

The Torre di Capo d'Uomo, on the western slope of the Monte Argentario, is an ancient watchtower of probably medieval origin, whose exact date of construction remains uncertain. Built at approximately 358 metres above sea level, it watched over the maritime passage between the promontory and the island of Giglio. From this high point, warning signals could be transmitted to the coastal villages, and then to the neighboring towers when the Argentario was incorporated into theState of the Presidi, a territory controlled by Spain from the 16th century onward.

Its role was mainly to observe and signal ships, not to withstand a siege. The tower was demilitarized around the middle of the 18th century, then put back into service at the beginning of the 19th century, during the Napoleonic period, with a small garrison of quatre soldats. It was subsequently abandoned under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and fell into disrepair, notably because its isolated location, exposed to the winds, made its maintenance difficult. Today, these are ruins, not a restored monument that one visits inside.

The name "Capo d'Uomo" would come from the profile of the promontory, which is said to evoke a human head. Not to be confused with the other Torre di Capo d'Uomo, near Talamone: this one is indeed located on theArgentario, between Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.