The Torre de Fornells was built between 1801 and 1802 as a defensive tower along the coast of Menorca. This troncoconic-shaped structure was built to guard the entrance of the port of Fornells, prevent the landing of enemy ships, and protect the Castle of San Antonio.
The tower's construction features dry stone walls reinforced with sandstone blocks on the exterior. Its original entrance is located on the first floor and was accessible via a wooden ladder that could be removed during an attack.
The building consists of four levels: a cistern excavated into the subsoil, a ground floor for storing weapons, ammunition, and food, a first floor for the garrison, and a top floor serving as an artillery platform. This top level included a small oven used to heat cannonballs until they were red-hot to set enemy ships on fire.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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