Torre del Rellotge, Defensive tower in Olesa de Montserrat, Spain.
The Torre del Rellotge is a defensive tower in central Olesa de Montserrat with a square base and walls of irregular stone reinforced at the corners with red sandstone. Two bells sit within the upper section of the structure, once used to mark time and signal important moments to residents.
The tower originated as part of the Castle of Olesa during medieval times. In the early 16th century, it was raised to its current height and transformed into a functioning clock tower with bells for the town.
The name refers to its role as the town's timekeeper for centuries. Walking past it, visitors see how local construction methods shaped buildings in medieval Catalonia, with materials sourced from the immediate surroundings.
The tower stands in Plaça Nova at the heart of the town and is easily reached on foot. Most visitors view the structure from outside, as access to the interior is typically not available to the public.
Between the 1700s and early 1900s, the structure served as the town jail before becoming known primarily as a clock tower. This dual purpose reveals how rural defensive structures often took on multiple roles over time.
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