The Torre della Finanza was erected at the turn of the 18th Century to oversee access to the mouth of the River Po di Volano and to levy tolls, but also for defence. The Papal authorities commissioned the tower slightly more inland than its 17th Century predecessor, which was destroyed by the continuous tidal movement. It is a rectangular building with a sunken ground floor with a brickwork embankment that had been designed originally as a star shaped rampart. It takes its name from the Guardia di Finanza (Excise Inspectors), who were the last tenants.
