Torre Quebrada, Fortified tower in Benalmádena, Spain
Torre Quebrada is a circular stone watchtower in Benalmádena standing on a steep hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The small interior room is covered by a brick vault, and the thick exterior walls were built to withstand the challenging coastal environment.
The tower first appears in documents from 1497 and was reconstructed in the early 16th century by mason Cristóbal de la Parra after suffering significant decay. This rebuilding work preserved the structure for its continued use in coastal defense.
This structure belonged to a network of coastal watchtowers that communicated through fire and smoke signals to alert settlements of approaching danger from the sea. Visitors can see how its position on the hilltop allowed watchers to observe the water across a wide distance.
The hilltop location offers expansive sea views but requires effort to reach due to the steep approach. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be aware that the interior space is small and access may be limited.
Two watchmen were permanently stationed at the tower and received regular payment for their surveillance duties along the coast. This constant staffing reveals how central the structure was to regional security during its active years.
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