CultureUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Crawford Tower
The 15th-century tower on the headland of San Nicola Arcella, home of writer Francis Marion Crawford and setting of a vampire tale.
The Crawford Tower, also known as Torre San Nicola, stands on the headland dividing the Baia Azzurra from the harbour beach. It was built in the 15th century as an outpost against Saracen raids, one of the many strongholds of the Riviera dei Cedri.
Its modern name comes from Francis Marion Crawford, the American writer who lived here around the turn of the 20th century and set his tale For the Blood Is the Life in it: the protagonist is Cristina, a girl from San Nicola turned vampire, whose grave, according to the story, lies in the lower turret behind the tower. The town remembers him every summer with the “Crawford in Riviera dei Cedri” festival.
Frequently asked questions
- An American writer who around the turn of the 20th century lived in the tower of San Nicola Arcella and set his vampire tale “For the Blood Is the Life” there.
Who was Francis Marion Crawford?
More places in San Nicola Arcella
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Nature Arcomagno
The rock arch about 20 metres high hiding a small beach and a cave: the emblem of San Nicola Arcella, a Blue Flag beach.
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Old town Casaletto and belvedere of San Nicola Arcella
The upper village of San Nicola Arcella, with the alleys of the Casaletto, the murals and the belvedere overlooking three regions.
Itineraries through here
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4 daysGrand tourGrand Tour of the Riviera dei Cedri
Four days from north to south along the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast: islands, Norman towns, murals and sanctuaries.
11 stops8 townsMay–OctoberSee the stops -
2 daysSea & beachesSea & beaches
Two days among rock arches, islands and lidos of the Cosentino Tyrrhenian coast.
4 stops4 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
3 daysSea & beachesThree days by the sea
Three days along the Tyrrhenian coast: islands, rock arches and beaches from north to south.
6 stops5 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops - 4 daysSea & beaches
Four days on the Tyrrhenian coast
Four days devoted to the sea, from San Nicola Arcella to Cetraro: arches, islands, beaches and marina.
8 stops6 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops