Torre del Saladillo, Medieval watchtower in Estepona, Spain.
The Torre del Saladillo is a defensive tower in Estepona featuring a truncated cone shape that tapers as it rises. The structure contains an internal chamber accessed from the north side, demonstrating practical design for its defensive purpose.
Construction began in 1567 following a proposal to establish a systematic coastal monitoring point in the region. This tower was one element within a larger defensive strategy designed to counter maritime threats.
The tower was part of a network of coastal lookout posts that communities relied on to watch for pirates and protect their shores. These structures remain visible markers of how people organized their defense along the Andalusian coast.
The tower sits near the Urbanization El Saladillo, positioned between Estepona and San Pedro de Alcántara about one kilometer inland from the shore. It remains visible from nearby roads, making it accessible during exploration of the coastal area.
A small window on the interior wall opposite the access chamber allowed light into the main room. This detail reveals how the tower was specifically designed to give occupants visibility while remaining somewhat protected inside.
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