Santa Elena tower, Coastal watchtower in La Azohía, Cartagena, Spain
Santa Elena Tower stands on a rocky elevation next to the Mediterranean Sea, featuring a rectangular base and strategic positioning for maritime observation.
The tower, designed by Giovanni Battista Antonelli between 1556 and 1598, formed part of a defense network against Barbary pirates threatening the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
The structure represents Spanish military engineering from the 16th century and maintains recognition as a cultural heritage site since June 1985.
Located on Carretera Isla Plana in La Azohía, the tower exterior remains accessible throughout the year for photography and coastal viewing.
The tower transmitted warnings through a system of smoke signals during daylight and fire signals at night to alert neighboring communities of maritime threats.
Location: Cartagena
Part of: tours de vigilance côtière
GPS coordinates: 37.54931,-1.17299
Latest update: March 3, 2025 14:52
The Murcia region combines natural landscapes with historical sites from different periods. The Salto del Usero natural pool in Bullas, the beaches of Calblanque Natural Area, and the Almadenes gorge near Cieza demonstrate the geological variety of the region. The coast offers sheltered coves like Cala Cortina and remote beaches such as El Portús, while the Gredas de Bolnuevo erosion formations show the power of natural processes. The historical architecture ranges from medieval fortifications to baroque cultural sites. Monteagudo Castle from the 11th century and Castillo de Lorca document the Moorish and Christian past. Coastal towers like Torre de Santa Elena and Torre del Cope date from the 16th century and served as defenses against pirates. The Santa Clara Monastery and Museo Salzillo in Murcia city preserve 18th-century religious art, while the Palacio de Guevara in Lorca represents baroque urban architecture.
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