Place of interest
Cofano Tuna Trap and Tower
Set in a natural context of extraordinary beauty, facing the Scialandro rock and near Punta della Croce, the former Cofano tuna trap already existed in 1404, when it belonged to the Bosco family; it was inhabited until the mid-twentieth century. A source of economic support for the local fishermen…
Custonaci
The place
Set in a natural context of extraordinary beauty, facing the Scialandro rock and near Punta della Croce, the former Cofano tuna trap already existed in 1404, when it belonged to the Bosco family; it was inhabited until the mid-twentieth century. A source of economic support for the local fishermen, it was one of the most productive and active tuna traps for the Trapani economy.
Next to the tuna trap stood the tower dating from the sixteenth century and part of the Spanish defensive system of the Sicilian coasts. Built between 1556 and 1560, it has a four-pointed star-shaped square plan and with its concave walls is a unique example in Sicily.
It had visual contact, to the north-east with the Isulidda tower and to the south-east with the Muzza tower; no communication was possible with the nearby San Giovanni tower because it was blocked by Monte Cofano.
The tower was acquired by the regional state property in May 2006. Restored with European Community funds, it was reopened to the public in April 2010.
