Tourism in Porto Empedocle

The Tower of Charles V

Porto Empedocle is an important fishing and trade port in South-western Sicily, situated on a peculiar limestone hill.

In the 15th century, when it was still called Marina di Girgenti, it was one the most important loading place for corn, all over Sicily.

Here the whole production of cereals was collected from the fields in Agrigento and Caltanissetta areas.

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In the 16th century, Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) built a huge tower and committed the building to an architect/sculptor from Florence, Camillo Camillani.

The tower was intended to protect the important port against pirates, which often quickly depredated the people living along the coast.

The building is characterized by a truncated pyramid shape, ending with a large watching terrace.

The interior is formed by some rooms with vault ceilings. In 1780 the Bourbons changed it into a prison.