The First Tower, also known as the Guaita fortress, is built directly on the stone of the mountain without any foundations. It has a pentagonal base and dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest fortresses in Italy. The fortress has been reinforced several times and was rebuilt in the second half of the 15th century. In the 16th century, it was covered with a sloping roof. The fortress is protected by a double wall circle, with the outer wall having battlements and decapitated towers at the corners.
In the courtyard are some artillery pieces from the last war, including two mortars, a gift from Victor Emmanuel II, and two cannons (75 mm) used as blanks by the Guard of the Rock on holidays, a gift from Victor Emmanuel III. On the right, as soon as you enter, you will find the Chapel of St. Barbara, the patron saint of Artillerymen, which was built in 1960. This is again one of the three towers and the most reconstructed one. As the two other towers also have a penguin stone, we left one behind here as well. It is inside the tower on one of the wooden poles.
Last known location – 43.933, 12.45158
