Martello Tower

Martello tower overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Plains of Abraham.

Martello towers, sometimes known simply as Martellos, are small defensive forts that were built across the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the French Revolutionary Wars onwards.

Martello towers were inspired by a round fortress, part of a larger Genoese defence system, at Mortella (Myrtle) Point in Corsica which was built in 1565.

Photo 133, June 2014