Hexagon in the sun: Spain's 16th-century observation tower

In a fishing village in Spain, a 16th-century observation tower, shaped like a six-sided dice, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It was refurbished in the 18th century.

In the fishing village of La Azohía, a tall hexagonal structure stands guard on a hill, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Officially known as the Tower of Santa Elena, it was built between 1556 and 1598 under the reign of Felipe II, not the Reyes Católicos as previously stated. Spanish engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli is credited with its design. The tower is two stories high, each connected by a spiral staircase. Inside, there is a water reservoir, and on the rooftop, a cannon from 1742. During the months of May to June, the Mediterranean waters under the tower are abuzz with the almadraba method of fishing, catching species like tuna, swordfish, and marlin. The Tower, part of the natural protected space of Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso and Roldán, was refurbished in the 18th century.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Hexagon in the sun: Spain's 16th-century observation tower

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