Watchtower of Torrelodones, Medieval watchtower in Torrelodones, Spain
The Watchtower of Torrelodones is a square stone structure positioned strategically northwest of Madrid with thick defensive walls. Its solid construction reflects the need for surveillance and protection across the regional landscape of that era.
The fortification was built during the Umayyad period between the ninth and eleventh centuries to monitor movements along regional trade routes. It functioned as part of a larger network of defensive structures that protected the territory of that time.
The structure became so integral to local identity that Torrelodones incorporated it into the municipal coat of arms. People in the area view this fortification as a symbol of their heritage and connection to the past.
The structure sits along a walking route that connects castles, fortresses and watchtowers across the region at coordinates 40°34′26″N 3°55′57″W. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain can be uneven and access is on foot.
The name of both the tower and town comes from 'lodon', a word for honeyberry plants that once grew abundantly in this region. This botanical connection reveals how deeply the fortification is tied to the local landscape.
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