Torre del Merino, Gothic fortified tower in Santillana del Mar, Spain
Torre del Merino is a Gothic stone tower located between the civic square and Lindas Street. The structure features dressed stone corners and narrow openings for defense, with a four-sided roof crowning its top.
The tower was built in the 15th century to serve as both a residence and fortification for the Merino official who governed the region. It demonstrates how local administrators expressed their authority through stone construction.
The tower marks a shift in power from religious institutions to civic leaders in medieval towns. It stands at the square as a symbol of this emerging civil authority that gradually shaped the neighborhood around it.
The tower is now open as a museum where visitors can explore the wooden interior structure and see details of the defense system. The location at the square makes it easy to find and visit along with other buildings in town.
Over time, the tower's original battlements were converted into windows, revealing how the building's purpose shifted. This transformation shows the moment when fortifications became less about defense and more about comfortable living.
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