Torre de La Mata, Fortified tower in La Mata district, Torrevieja, Spain
Torre de La Mata is a circular watchtower with a conical shape built from solid masonry, positioned right next to Plaza del Embarcadero. From this location, visitors can see across the Mediterranean Sea and toward the natural park of Las Lagunas.
The tower was built in 1320 as part of a coastal defense system linked to Orihuela Castle through fire signals. This communication method allowed watchers to monitor maritime movement and warn against raids along the coast.
The tower serves as a local landmark tied to the area's long history of coastal defense and resource management. It stands near lagoons and salt ponds that have shaped daily life and work in this region for centuries.
The tower sits in a publicly accessible area and is easy to reach, especially when visiting the nearby Plaza del Embarcadero. It is best to explore the surroundings during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views toward the sea and the natural park.
The tower stands next to a canal that carries saline water to the lagoons, supporting salt production in this area for centuries. This proximity reveals how the defensive structure and the region's economic activities were historically intertwined.
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