Defensive architecture between land and coast: the tower of Sessa Aurunca and the tower of Lago Patria

This paper analyses two defensive structures of the Kingdom of Naples located in different geographical, functional and historical contexts: the cylindrical tower of the city walls of Sessa Aurunca and the square coastal tower of Lago Patria. The two structures bear witness to defensive strategies developed between the late Middle Ages and the early modern age, reflecting different territorial and political needs. The comparative analysis – conducted using photogrammetric surveying, three-dimensional modelling, historical sources and morphological interpretation – highlights similarities and differences in terms of typology and function, emphasizing the role of digital techniques in understanding and enhancing the value of minor structures belonging to the fortified heritage.