Torreón de Cartes

Torreón de Cartes is a fortified tower made of stone with two rectangular buildings connected by thick walls with pointed arches. The structure creates an interior courtyard and displays the military design from the 15th century with heavy walls and defensive features.

The Manrique family began construction in 1421 to protect the valley against rival lords from a neighboring region. The tower later served important administrative functions for the local population.

The tower served as a judicial seat for the Toranzo Valley in 1432, functioning as both a courthouse and prison for the region.

The building now operates as an education center and can be visited during times when exhibitions and programs are held. It is easily reached in the village of Cartes and offers a clear view of the medieval architecture.

This is one of the few preserved Castilian-style defensive systems on the Cantabrian coast and shows unusually thick-walled construction. Visitors can see the rare combination of defensive architecture with later use as a civilian administrative center.