Torre del Rei, Coastal defense tower in Oropesa del Mar, Spain.
Torre del Rei is a square-shaped coastal fortress built with thick stone walls near the Mediterranean Sea. The structure displays the typical design of medieval fortifications that once protected this shoreline.
King Ferdinand I of Aragon ordered its construction in 1413 to defend against attacks from Barbary pirates. This project was part of a larger effort to secure the Valencian coast during a dangerous period.
The tower served as a protective refuge for people living along the coast, forming a key part of how communities organized their defense. This role made it central to daily life in the area.
Access to the tower is available during specific times, and visitors should check ahead with local information before planning a visit. Wear comfortable shoes as the interior features tight staircases that require careful navigation.
Hidden staircases wind through the thick interior walls, giving defenders secure passages between different levels of the fortress. This design choice reveals how medieval military architects thought carefully about practical defense needs.
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