Ancient watchtower of La Cruella

Discover the Cruella tower, built by the Counts of Ventimiglia, overlooking the Roya. It took its name from the hawks, "cruella", nesting in the rock.
In 1258, three of their descendants ceded this Turris Cruellam to Charles de Provence. The name "Turris Cruellam" appears in the 1258 charter by which the Count of Provence became master of Breil. For centuries, dominating all access routes to Breil-sur-Roya, it was the town's guardian. In 1940, the Alpine scout-skiers entrenched here halted the advance of Italian troops attempting to take the town and its railway installations. Today, the tower has been restored to its former beauty by Breillois and Irish volunteers. A hiking trail leads to the tower. Once you've reached the tower, an orientation table offers a magnificent panoramic view of Piène Haute and Saorge.