The Tower of Cesare on the Amalfi Coast of Italy is a rare find even in a land filled with centuries-old properties.
Rising above the popular tourist town of Maiori in the Campania region of southern Italy, the stronghold was erected in 1532 to help defend the city. One of the largest towers built there for this purpose, it occupies a strategic position overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Over the centuries, the stone edifice has become a symbol for the seaside destination. Today, it offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for an investor to buy a piece of history and create a wellness resort, spa or boutique hotel. Other possibilities include use as a private estate, corporate retreat or vacation home.
The mountainside property reaches down to the water through more than a dozen terraces accessed by staircases cut into the stone. Among them is an ancient grotto that has been set up for massage, an amphitheater with seating for 80 that can be used for musical performances or lectures and one with a jetted spa that takes in sea views. Other terraces can be used for sunbathing or as a spot from which to swim.
Four buildings make up the 10,057 square meters of living space and contain 11 bedrooms or apartments of various sizes. There is sleeping space to accommodate 22 and a total of seven bathrooms, many adorned in colorful tile.
But the most striking feature of the property is the four-floor tower itself. Natural light reflected off the sea floods the main floor, which features high ceilings and a fireplace. The space could function as the heart of a home or a hotel reception area.
One floor below is a bedroom and bathroom while the two stories above contain two-room suites with private terraces.
The lush grounds are filled with massive old-growth trees, flowering plants, lemon trees and olive trees.
The swimming pool, with its retractable roof, could not be built today due to current preservation laws. The property is part of a stretch of coastline protected by a UNESCO World Heritage designation. As such, new development is not permitted.
Maiori is a well-preserved traditional village more than three hours south of Rome and about an hour from Naples by car.
Alessandro Moscariello of Building Heritage is the listing agent. The price is available on request.
Building Heritage is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.