Perched at almost 100 meters above sea level in La Azohía, a structure designed by Juan Bautista Antonelli stands tall. This building, commonly known as the Torre de Santa Elena, is hexagonal in shape and rises two stories high, with floors connected by a spiral staircase. Its interior features a vaulted ceiling and a water reservoir, while its battlements hold a long-range cannon dating from 1742 that was manufactured in Italy.
From March to August, the waters below are used for a traditional fishing method called almadraba. This method is used to capture species such as tuna, horse mackerel, and blue streak. The structure is situated within the naturally protected space of the Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso, and Roldán.
Given a renovation during the 18th century, the building has stood since its construction between 1556 and 1598. It was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1985 and remains a significant part of the coastal surveillance system.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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