Torreón de Cartes, Medieval fortified tower in Cartes, Cantabria, Spain

Torreón de Cartes consists of two rectangular ashlar-masonry towers of two storeys, one taller than the other, in Gothic style, standing on either side of the main street. Thick walls pierced by pointed arches link them and serve as walkways between the first floors; the arches had portcullis grilles for defence and customs control. The ground floor is blind to the outside, with entry through the courtyard, and the combined plan of towers and courtyard is square.

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.

The source calls it the only very visible Castilian-style fortress preserved on the Cantabrian slope, not the coast. It may never have been finished according to an unknown original castle project, and its lower floor is blind to the outside, with entry through the courtyard.