The Appiani Tower in Marciana Marina

Symbol of Marciana Marina, the Torre degli Appiani or Torre della Marina is the dominant element in the harbor area.

It is undoubtedly the most beloved monument by the inhabitants and visitors of Marciana Marina.

Not very large and cylindrical in shape, it still preserves elements that testify to its function as a watchtower and coastal defense of the northern coast of the Island of Elba.

Various hypotheses have been made about the origin of the tower, and investigations are ongoing based on surveys conducted to precisely determine the historical period in which it was built. The most widely accepted hypothesis to date seems to attribute the construction of the tower to Jacopo VI Appiano, Lord of Piombino and Marciana, between 1558 and 1562, after his family regained possession of Elba in 1557.

The tower might have been built at the urging of the local population, who were severely affected by the raids and devastations of 1553 and 1555 at the hands of the Turkish pirate Dragut.

Curiosity: The rock on which the tower was built once stood almost isolated in the sea, connected to the rest of the village only by a sandy strip.