Torre delle Mandre in Altavilla Milicia

La Mandre tower in Altavilla Milicia is also known by the name of Norman Tower. It is located in the Sicilian capital of Palermo and hides a fascinating history, carrying on an ultra-secular tradition. Here's what you need to find out about such an iconic place.

Origins and history of the Torre delle Mandre in Altavilla Milicia

The Mandre tower in Altavilla Milicia has origins dating back to very ancient times. In fact, it is thought to have been built in the Aragonese period, while the adjacent Colonna tower is located a little further east and would date back to theviceroy era. He starts talking about it starting from 1557, with the citation in the findings of some historical documents.

The main objective of the tower of the Mandre, together with that Colonna, was to protect the town of Altavilla Milicia from possible attacks by pirates and corsairs. In fact, these dangerous groups often came to plunder the Sicilian coasts, also causing considerable damage around the XV-XVII century. Its strategic position has been preserved to this day, even after various restorations.

The salient features of the Mandre tower in Altavilla Milicia

The Mandre tower is actually divided between two territories, since a portion falls in the locality of Trabia. As previously mentioned, the panoramic position allowed the soldiers to better defend themselves in the event of any attacks, offering a view from Capo Zafferano to the coasts of Campofelice di Roccella. Its scenery is truly out of the ordinary, with a view overlooking the sea capable of leaving you speechless. Today the conditions of the tower are really excellent, with an architectural integrity that is truly to be appreciated.

What to do in Altavilla Milicia and its surroundings

The town of Altavilla Milicia represents the pure essence of a timeless Sicily with intact culture and tradition. Those who travel to these parts cannot help but look out onto a breathtaking panorama, which projects directly onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. There really is a lot to see within this locality, such as the Diocesan Marian Shrine and Norman bridge, which rises on the neighbor San Michele stream. There is no shortage of opportunities to organize interesting excursions and go to a place to taste the typical Sicilian dishes.

Those who intend to move from the center of Altavilla Milicia can go to the tourist ports of Palermo and Termini Imerese, located about 20 kilometers away. The neighboring towns of Casteldaccia and Trabia are also waiting to be discovered, without forgetting Caccamo and Ventimiglia di Sicilia. Around here, you're spoiled for choice.

How to get to the center of Altavilla Milicia

Who wants to visit Altavilla Milicia by car, can take the A20 motorway towards Messina-Catania and exit right at the junction of the same name. By train, you can reach the Palermo Central railway station and take various trains to reach the Altavilla Milicia station, about 1 kilometer from the centre.

Finally, Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino airport is 18 kilometers away from the locality in question.

© Image by Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons