In 1786, engineer Ramón Santander constructed the Alcalfar Tower in San Luis, Menorca, on the southeastern coastal plain to safeguard against Argeline pirates. The tower, shaped like a robust cylinder with a conical roof, was made from typical Baleares stone, with large stone blocks covering its exterior. The sea-facing walls were reinforced to withstand cannon fire. Three levels of the tower are visible from the exterior, with the entrance originally via a door to the middle level. The Alcalfar Tower's design was so effective that it inspired British builders to construct Martello towers in Ireland from 1804, similar in style. Today, the tower stands as a historical monument, granted protection in 1985, and is open to visitors.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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