Torre de Aspa, Ancient watchtower and triangulation station in Vila do Bispo, Portugal.
Torre de Aspa is a watchtower standing on a cliff 157 meters above sea level at the highest point along the Algarve coastline. The structure also serves as a modern triangulation station and offers views reaching from Cape Saint Vincent to Sagres.
The tower was built in the 16th century as part of a coastal defense network protecting southern Portugal from sea attacks. These structures played a key role in safeguarding the region during that era.
The ruins still show traces of watch fires that once connected coastal settlements through signal systems. You can see how people communicated dangers to each other across the Algarve coastline by studying these remains.
The site is best reached on foot, either via a roughly two-hour round-trip hike from Praia do Castelejo or through paths from the village. The trails can be slippery or difficult depending on weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The tower serves not only as a historical monument but continues to be actively used as a triangulation station for surveying work today. This shows how old structures retain purpose for modern needs.
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