The 1966 discovery of the Torre del Portal de Sobrerroca

The walled enclosure of Manresa is a cultural asset of national interest. While many sections of the walls are no longer visible, subtle traces persist. A visitor to Carrer Arbonés might notice modest stone rows at a building base, marking the boundary along the Cardener riverbed. Near the school courtyard, a section of wall about 16 metres long is visible, continuing along Passeig del Riu.

Security became a priority in the 14th century as groups of mercenaries posed a threat. Between 1362 and 1383, the town constructed a new walled enclosure that connected to previous walls and expanded the fortified core. This expansion followed the lines of the current streets of Sant Domènec and Muralla de Sant Francesc, extending toward the Passeig del Riu.

Although demolition was authorized in 1877, the Torre del Portal de Sobrerroca remains as a visible tower. This square tower, about 10 metres tall, was discovered in 1966 when the house that covered it was demolished. It remains attached to a building. Other fragments of the 14th-century defenses remain, including a stone gate on Carrer de l'Apotecari and large buttresses in Plaça Europa.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons