It is part of a wider chain of over 80 Genoese towers commissioned between the 15th and 17th centuries along the Corsican coastline.
The tower is situated on a sandbar that separates the Étang de Diana, a major oyster farming lagoon, from the sea.
The lagoon itself has been exploited since Roman times, known historically as the Port of Aleria, the primary harbor of the Roman province of Corsica.
Construction materials typically involved local stone and lime mortar, often sourced directly from the nearby Roman ruins of Aleria.
The tower's design follows a classic circular plan with a vaulted ground floor used for storage and a living level above accessible only by a retractable wooden ladder.
The Tour de Diana is a 16th-century Genoese watchtower located on the eastern coast of Corsica at the entrance to the Étang de Diana lagoon. It was constructed as part of a coastal defense network designed by the Republic of Genoa to guard against Barbary pirate incursions. The tower occupies a strategic position overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, functioning historically as a signaling point to warn the inland capital of Corte of incoming threats. It remains one of the few remaining examples of maritime fortifications in the Aléria region. The structure sits on a sandy spit, physically separated from the main archaeological site of Aléria but tied to its maritime history. The site remains largely un-restored, offering a glimpse into the defensive architecture used during the Genoese occupation of the island.
From the water's edge looking back towards the tower with the reflective surface of the Étang de Diana in the foreground.
Combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Étang de Diana oyster beds to taste the local shellfish.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the path to the tower involves walking across sandy, uneven, and sometimes marshy ground.
Visit during low tide if possible, as the path surrounding the lagoon can become muddy or inaccessible after heavy rainfall.
Attempting to access the tower during high winds or stormy weather, as the coastal path is highly exposed and prone to flooding.
Respect the fragile coastal ecosystem; do not climb on the masonry as the structure is in an un-restored, potentially unstable state.
