Keep a lookout for these watchtowers that exist all along Sicily’s coastline. From at least the early 14th century through World War II, these watchtowers of all shapes and sizes (and now, conditions) earned their keep. The system was designed so that from one to the next the keepers could communicate with their compatriots what they observed on the sea or otherwise using light, smoke, and reflective surfaces, informing of danger or other happenings. Anecdotally, at the height of their usage, it was possible to send a message around the circumference of the island in one day, using such signals.

Use the search field in the footer of ExperienceSicily.com, searching for “Tower,” and you’ll see other posts about these towers around the island.