To defend the ancient Port of Girgenti, today known as Porto Empedocle, this tower was built in the fifteenth century to aid against pirate raids.

In the sixteenth century, during the age of Charles V, there was a total reconstruction of the entire building. Due to the considerable thickness of its up to 2 meters wide walls, it was later used as a local prison.

This square structure has a length of 26.20 meters on each side. The Tower of Carlo V is well preserved. It is open for guided tours and is home to artistic and cultural initiatives and activities.