Description
The Torre dell'Abate Ginetti is one of the towers in the medieval walls of Campobasso, in the lower part of the old town. Sturdy and no-frills, it shows clearly how the old city's defenses were built.
The tower is made of irregular stone blocks and rests on a sloping base, widened toward the bottom to better withstand blows and discourage anyone trying to climb it.
It was erected in 1456 at the behest of Count Cola di Monforte, who after that year's earthquake rebuilt the walls with towers and gates. In the 18th century, when upkeep cost too much, private citizens were allowed to build their houses against the walls, and the earthquake of 1805 badly damaged them: what remains of that system are surviving towers like this one.
The tower is made of irregular stone blocks and rests on a sloping base, widened toward the bottom to better withstand blows and discourage anyone trying to climb it.
It was erected in 1456 at the behest of Count Cola di Monforte, who after that year's earthquake rebuilt the walls with towers and gates. In the 18th century, when upkeep cost too much, private citizens were allowed to build their houses against the walls, and the earthquake of 1805 badly damaged them: what remains of that system are surviving towers like this one.