The 'fortalesa de Marfatta' tower, as it was known in the local language, was built at a height of 65 metres in the late 16^th century as defence against pirate raids. From its high position, the tower maintained visual contact with the towers of Piscinnì, Porto Scudo, Budello and Cala Piombo. The construction used mainly clay bricks, and small and medium-sized stones joined by cement mortar.

We know that the tower’s first commander was Michele Caspala Vacca in 1593, and that in 1764, the tower was attacked by a horde of 400 Barbary pirates, but Giovanni Battista Pinna - the commander in charge at the time - defended the garrison, wounding over a hundred pirates.

Early restoration works are documented in 1605, with further restorations carried out in 1784 under master chief Eusebio Carta, in 1817 following a design by architect Girolamo Melis and, finally, in 1823. 

The classically conic tower is in good condition to this day and can be accessed through the entrance six metres above the ground. Its inner chamber is covered with a domed vault on a central pillar and features a fireplace and an access hatch to a cistern below. It was a 'torre de armas' and housed a garrison with a commander, a gunner and four soldiers.

Traces of a protective sentry box and battlements remain on the terrace.