Medieval Tower of Attavyros #1164

Description

 Located near Glyfada Bay on the west coast of Rhodes, below the settlement of Lakki, the watchtower faces the island of Alimia, just a few meters from the shoreline.

This watchtower was likely constructed during the tenure of Grandmaster Pierre d'Aubusson (1476-1505). The side of the tower facing the sea has almost completely collapsed, with rubble from the stone and pebble masonry scattered on the beach and in the water. However, the land-facing side remains nearly intact, reaching its original height of approximately 9 meters. Due to its position on an embankment, the sea-facing wall originally stood about 2 meters taller.

The tower has a roughly square floor plan, measuring about 6.7 meters per side, with walls approximately 1.5 meters thick. Access was through the southwestern wall on the first floor. The platform at the top was likely crowned with merlons, as indicated by historical reconstructions. Existing consoles suggest the presence of box-machicoulations for defense.

The interior of the tower comprised three floors: the two lower levels had beamed ceilings, as evidenced by five beam holes on the first floor and wall remainders on the level above. The top floor was built with a barrel vault, and the first-floor room was equipped with a fireplace.