The towers are the ruins of a defensive structure built in 1391 on a key trading route between Bormio, Italy, and the Engadin valley in Switzerland. The original fortress was mostly destroyed in 1513 during an invasion, but the iconic silhouettes still stand due to restoration work carried out in the last century. The location is a popular destination, particularly for cyclists, as it is reached via a road with 22 hairpin bends offering stunning views over the surrounding area. The Fraele Towers are watchtowers built in 1391 in the valley of the same name (in the municipality of Valdidentro) at an altitude of 1,930 meters above sea level. The towers were originally part of a larger defensive structure, designed to defend the entrance to the valley. Nothing remains of this structure, except for the two towers, although they are in ruins. The towers were built using stone found in the immediate vicinity and have a quadrangular shape with thick walls. The entrance is located high up for defense purposes, allowing access only by a ladder that was retracted in times of danger. Internal staircases provided access to the various floors, which were illuminated by the few slits present.
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