Torre Torregarcía, 16th-century watchtower in Almeria, Spain
Torre Torregarcía is a 16th-century stone watchtower standing on a beach, built as part of Spain's coastal defense system. The structure shows typical features of military fortifications from this period, with thick walls and a practical design for surveillance purposes.
The tower was built between 1571 and 1575 under King Philip II to protect the Spanish Mediterranean coast from attacks. It was part of a larger network of watchtowers stretching along the coast that enabled communication between defense posts.
The tower stands at a location tied to a 1502 discovery of a religious image that became central to Almería's identity. Visitors today can see the place where this spiritual event unfolded, which shaped the city's devotion.
The tower is accessible via a metal staircase added during restoration work that took place from 1987 to 1989, allowing visitors to climb safely. The structure was reinforced during this same period to enable public access.
The tower was part of a clever communication system where guards could relay signals between neighboring towers to send quick warnings along the coast. This chain of observation points made the defense network particularly effective.
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