Torre de Cala Mesquida, cultural property in Mahon, Spain

Torre de Cala Mesquida is a Martello-type watchtower built between 1799 and 1802 by the British, standing on a rock in the middle of the bay of Cala Mesquida, not at Maó harbor. Its most distinctive feature is a greatly enlarged and reinforced machicolation that rises above the terrace parapet to protect the landward side, setting it apart from other Martello towers. Inside, a spiral staircase is still embedded in the tower wall.

The tower was built between 1799 and 1802 by the British, during their occupation of Menorca, to guard Cala Mesquida bay rather than Maó harbor. It is a Martello tower, a type the British used for coastal defense. Since 1980 the tower and its enclosure have been privately owned.

The tower stands on a rock in the middle of Cala Mesquida bay, so it is seen from the shore and the surrounding paths rather than entered. Since 1980 the tower and its enclosure have been private property, so visitors stay outside the walls. The spiral staircase survives inside the wall but is not open to the public.