Torre Blanca, Medieval defensive tower in Albarracín, Spain
Torre Blanca is a medieval defensive tower in Albarracín with a square base and stands approximately 18 meters tall. The thick stone walls incorporate pieces of dark metal slag, and entry occurs eight meters above ground level on the northern face through four interior levels.
Built in the 13th century, the tower formed a defensive triangle with the Alcázar and Torre del Andador to protect Albarracín. These three fortifications worked together as the city's main defense system against external threats.
The structure served the Dominican order as a library in the 17th century, linking it to the cemetery and the Church of Santa María nearby. This conversion shows how medieval fortifications were adapted for peaceful religious purposes over time.
The tower is accessible from outside, though reaching the raised entrance requires climbing and some physical effort. It is worth checking beforehand whether the interior levels are currently open to visitors, as access can vary seasonally.
The walls contain fragments of dark metal slag built into the stone, which catch and reflect light in a subtle way. This unusual building technique gives the tower a distinctive surface quality that shifts in appearance depending on the angle and time of day.
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