Tour d'Espantaperros, Military tower in Alcazaba, Badajoz, Spain.
The Torre de Espantaperros is an octagonal tower that rises above the main wall of the Alcazaba fortress in Badajoz. It contains two vaulted ring chambers in its upper section and features a square top structure.
Built in 1169 by the Almohads, the tower served as a defensive structure during Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Its architectural design later influenced other fortifications constructed in the region.
The tower's name comes from its historic bell, which rang in medieval times to alert Christians and warn away potential attackers. This bell was a central part of the city's defense system.
The tower is accessible through guided tours where visitors can climb the stairs to the upper levels. Tours run regularly and offer views of the surrounding city area.
After 143 years without a bell, the tower received a new one in 2021, reviving a medieval tradition that had been lost. This restoration returned a function that many thought was gone forever.
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