Torre de la Vela, Fortified tower in Alhambra, Granada, Spain.
The Torre de la Vela is a fortified tower on the western side of the Alcazaba with a square base and four interior levels. Arched chambers and side galleries connect these floors throughout the structure.
Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar constructed this tower after 1238 at the western edge of the Alcazaba as a strategic observation point. It formed part of the broader defensive system that protected the city after the establishment of the Nasrid dynasty.
The tower displays four flags at its top representing the European Union, Spain, Andalusia, and Granada. These symbols reflect the different political authorities that govern the place today.
The tower is typically accessible from morning until evening, with exact times varying by season. Since the Alcazaba can become crowded, it is best to arrive early in the morning for a quieter visit.
On January 2nd, unmarried women follow a tradition of ringing the tower's bell to ensure marriage within the coming year. The bell itself dates from 1773 and remains an important part of this local custom.
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