Torre de San Jacinto, 16th-century fortified tower and television transmitter in Almonte, Spain.
The Torre de San Jacinto is a sturdy fortified tower made of stone with a cone-like shape that rises about 15 meters high and features plastered masonry walls. Four small openings near the top served as observation points, and the structure now sits inland though it was originally positioned closer to the water.
In the 16th century, King Philip II ordered this fortified tower built to guard the coast against pirates and enemies. It was part of a large network of watchtowers that monitored the entire Andalusian coastline.
The tower is now a landmark that shows how local people valued coastal protection in their history. Visitors can observe how defense shaped the development of this area over time.
The tower is easy to locate because it stands out in the landscape and can be reached from several paths. It is best visited on foot or by car depending on where you can park nearby.
The building once served as a transmitter for television signals, making it a modern hybrid of ancient fortress and contemporary technology. This function is less known today, even though it shaped the appearance and purpose of the tower for many years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.