Salt tower #1213

Description

This tower appears to have been a coastal defense structure, likely part of Pteleos Castle, and was probably constructed at the same time as the castle, around the mid-14th century. In other words, it was a Venetian tower that remained under Venetian control until 1470, when the Turks took over the area.

The tower likely formed part of the fortifications that protected the lower section of the castle and the settlement, while also overseeing the sheltered bay, which served as an excellent port for medieval ships. It was primarily intended as a defensive tower, though at some point it seems to have been used for salt storage, hence the name "Alatopyrgos" (meaning Salt-Tower).

Though not well preserved, the tower still stands to a height of 4.7 meters. The length of its best-preserved side measures approximately 7.5 meters.