The Maschio Tower is the main tower of Caetani Castle, a symbol of power and defence. Built in the mid-13th century by the Annibaldi, it rises 42 metres above the ground, dominating the Pontine Plain. Its walls were designed to withstand sieges and medieval war engines. The Maschio Tower was connected to the rest of the castle via internal drawbridges, an ingenious system that allowed the tower to be sealed off in the event of attack, ensuring the garrison’s safety.
The top floor was removed during the extensive modernisation of the fortress, carried out under the orders of Pope Alexander VI in the early 16th century. The three remaining floors are now punctuated by single and double-lancet windows on the upper levels, while the pointed-arch entrance on the ground floor opens on the western side. The interior layout has been modified from its original design.
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