Rincón de la Victoria features two Coastal Watchtowers (Torres Almenaras). These are particularly typical constructions with a military origin in the entire province of Málaga which dates from the 16th century. You may find one in the town centre of Torre de Benagalbón and another one around El Cantal, around 30 metres above sea level. The sunrises and sunsets are especially attractive from this spot where you may enjoy magical views.
Both constructions were meant to guard the sea to alert the nearby fortresses in case of pirate raids through smokes during day and campfires during night.
Coastal Watchtowers and their importance in the cultural legacy
These coastal watchtowers arised from the entire Mediterranean coast area, especially near Gibraltar out of necessity. These buildings are particularly typical of militaries, they were built with a defensive purpose and they date from the 16th century, in the age of piracy and the later domain of the Spanish Empire through the Mediterranean Sea. In case of the appearance of pirates or attacks, smokes and campfires would be fired up during the day and night, respectively.
They slowly fell out of usage due to the extinction of pirate attacks in the Mediterranean area. This lack of usage meant that these constructions fell behind, making them more deteriorated. Out of the necessity of creating a cultural legacy, as well as taking care of the town’s patrimony, several rehabilitation processes were carried out to create what we nowadays know as both coastal watchtowers.
Where to find them?
El Cantal’s watchtower
It is located on the cliffs that split Cala del Moral and Rincón de la Victoria. They are a great spot to enjoy sunrises and sunsets with magical views of the coast of Rincón. Nowadays, you can still imagine how the area was in the age of looting and pirates, with inlets for the disembarkation of allied and rival ships.
Torre de Benagalbón’s watchtower
Located in the N-340 road, in a tiny promontory in the urban centre of Torre de Benagalbón. It is a different model to the one we may find in the coastal area of Cala del Moral, holding still some of its cladding. It has a different external landscape, as well as an interior chimney which nowadays can still be seen. It is a place where you can walk with your family in a classic spring day around the Málaga area.
Coastal Watchtowers Gallery
