Torre de Montgó, Watchtower in L'Escala, Spain
Torre de Montgó is a small stone watchtower on a headland near L'Escala in Spain. Built with thick walls and a simple round shape, it has a raised entrance and a flat top that once held a small cannon.
Built in 1598 on the orders of King Felipe I of Aragon and Castile to protect the fishermen of L'Escala and L'Estartit from piracy. Near the path leading up to the tower, at the Corral d'en Lleona, remains of a Roman villa of the 2nd-3rd century were found. It was declared a Spanish cultural monument in 1949.
The tower's name comes from the Montgó hill where it stands, east of L'Escala's old town. It was built to protect the fishermen of L'Escala and L'Estartit from pirate raids. Near the path leading up, at Corral d'en Lleona, remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd–3rd centuries were found.
Approach the tower on foot along dirt paths, as the last stretch is uneven and best suited to walking shoes. The structure is open to visitors, but the interior is cramped, so mind your head and take your time on the stairs.
Below the entrance, two small stone ledges stick out from the wall; these were used to drop heavy objects on anyone trying to force the door. Many visitors pass by without noticing that the tower's base is much thicker than its top, a clever trick to resist cannon fire.
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