The history of the Caliph Tower traces its origins far back, in the second half of the 16th century , when it became essential to plan a defense of the coasts that would allow feared pirate attacks to be identified in time .
Precisely, in 1563 the Duke of Alcalà Don Parafan de Ribera ordered the construction of a system of towers, on the entire coast of the Kingdom of Naples, one within sight of the other. An uninterrupted series of fortifications, for the visual control of the coasts and for the defense of the territory.
In particular, in 1564 the edict concerning the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast was issued .
The Vettica tower in Amalfi – where the Caliph Tower is reborn today – was placed on the rocky ridge, at the edge of the Agerolina Provincial Road – today SS366. This strategic positioning allowed dominion over the entire stretch of the Amalfi Coast between Capo di Vettica and the extreme tip of Amalfi, thanks to the direct visual connection with the towers located on the two ends respectively.
This made it possible to perceive any visual signals and face the invasions of the Muslim and Turkish fleets in time; as well as offering an indispensable refuge to the population in case of danger. The tower, located along an access road to the agricultural territory, allowed easier and quicker shelter for the farmers in the event of invasions.
The typical construction of the tower, with a truncated pyramid scheme, included large square rooms which guaranteed maximum capacity and hospitality.
The ground floor, exposed to the main road and connected to a small agricultural area belonging to the tower, presented a large and unique room which served as a warehouse and shelter for the farmers in the event of an attack . The upper floor, located at the level of the Strada Agerolina, was intended for the accommodation of the tower guards and was equipped with a kitchen. And under the two rooms, a cistern , connected to the upper floors by two respective wells , which can still be observed today thanks to the precious recovery work carried out by us.
Over time the tower, which became private property, has undergone several renovations which have allowed for a more modern habitability, resulting in 4 apartments for private residential use.
In 2023 the possibility of purchasing one of the apartments in the tower opens . The apartment for sale was precisely the one located in the section of the ancient tower perhaps most full of history and experience , that is, the one that offered hospitality and shelter to the farmers of the neighboring lands in the event of an attack.
Pierluigi, passionate about Amalfi history and hospitality, and involved in the redevelopment and renovation of buildings, immediately saw the precious opportunity to bring to light a piece of history of the Amalfi Coast, also restoring its most intimate vocation for hospitality .
Thus began an intense and passionate restoration work on the tower, to bring to light those authentic construction details which, unfortunately, had been stratified by the modernity of the renovations that took place over time.
Thanks to this profound and passionate knowledge and love for the historical value of the place, it was possible to recover part of the original walls of the tower, built in limestone, and which today can be admired inside some of the rooms of the apartment .
The same recovery and redevelopment work was expertly reserved for the cistern, which today houses a charming bedroom, and the SPA. As well as the two wells, one of which, entirely brought to light and adequately preserved, becomes part of the exciting spa shower.
The rock face, re-emerged, becomes part of an exposed wardrobe. While the spacious room originally dedicated to the farmers’ refuge is transformed today into the living area, with a large and illuminated kitchen that integrates modern comforts while respecting the authenticity of the place, which can still be perceived today.
The history of the Tower lives again today in the magical and welcoming Relais “Torre del Califo”.