The Majestic Towers of Mallorca: A Stroll Through Time and Conquest
In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Mallorca unfolds a captivating history. The island’s most captivating landmarks are the so-called towers of Mallorca, which rise majestically from the landscape, a testament to medieval Mallorca’s defensive strategies against pirate attacks. They are an intriguing mix of gothic style architecture and practical defensive design. Let’s take a closer look at some of these storied structures.
Tower des Verger: A Sentinel Over The Sea
Located on the highest point on the coast, the Tower des Verger offers a panoramic view of the sea. It was built as a defence tower, standing as a silent sentinel against pirates and invaders. The tower, primarily made of two floors, is notable for its circular design. Access to the tower was originally via a rope ladder, which could be withdrawn in case of an attack, leaving the entrance out of reach for the attackers.
How to get to the Tower des Verger: is located in the town of Banyalbufar on the west coast of Mallorca. From Palma, take the Ma-1C road towards Andratx, then turn onto the Ma-10 towards Banyalbufar. Once you reach the town, follow signs to the tower. The last stretch of the journey is a short, pleasant walk from the car park.
The Tower Albercutx: A Watchtower with a View
The tower Albercutx, another one of the towers, stands imposingly above sea level. This tower, too, boasts two floors and is an excellent example of the so-called defensive towers of the island. The tower is constructed in a circular shape, with a spacious interior, and, just like its counterpart, the tower des Verger, it was accessed through a rope ladder. These towers often communicated through smoke signals to warn the inhabitants of the approaching danger.
How to get to the Tower Albercutx: is situated near the town of Port de Pollença in the northern part of the island. From Palma, take the Ma-13 towards Alcudia, then the Ma-2200 towards Port de Pollença. Once in Port de Pollença, take the scenic route Ma-2210, which passes the tower. A small path leads from the road to the tower, which can be a steep climb but offers fantastic views of the surrounding area.
The Tower Picada: A Testament to Endurance
The Tower Picada stands as a testament to the resiliency of the island’s inhabitants. This tower, built in a gothic style, was once a key part of the island’s defence system. It served as a watchtower, with its position providing an excellent vantage point for spotting incoming pirate raids.
How to get to the Tower Picada: is located in Sóller, on the northwest coast of Mallorca. From Palma, take the Ma-11 road directly to Sóller. Once in Sóller, follow signs to the Port de Sóller, where the tower is located. Please note, the final part of the journey to the tower is on foot, along a rocky path.
The Tower Cala Pi: A Sentinel in Solitude
The tower Cala Pi, another of the island’s defensive towers, is a particularly striking example of Mallorca’s historical architecture. Located on the coast, it was built to withstand both time and attack, with its strong walls providing a robust defence against potential assaults.
How to get to Cala Pi Tower: From Palma, take the Ma-19 road towards Llucmajor, then follow the Ma-6014 to Cala Pi. Once in Cala Pi, you can walk to the tower, which is located at the end of the beach.
The Capdepera Castle: A Majestic Fortress
Perhaps the most renowned of all these structures is the Capdepera Castle. This castle, one of the largest fortresses on the island, is a sight to behold. It is a well-preserved piece of history, with its watchtowers and defensive walls offering a glimpse into medieval Mallorca’s past. The castle’s highest point offers a breath-taking view of the sea, especially during sunset.
How to get to Capdepera Castle: located in the town of Capdepera in the northeast of Mallorca. From Palma, take the Ma-15 road all the way to Capdepera. Once in the town, follow signs to the castle. The castle is situated at the top of a hill, and while you can drive most of the way, the final part of the journey is on foot.
A Closer Look at the Towers’ Construction and Design
The construction of these towers shows a high degree of architectural sophistication. Built with local materials, they were designed to withstand the test of time and weather. The circular shape of many towers, including the tower des Verger and tower Albercutx, helped to deflect enemy attacks and provided a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
The towers were divided into two categories based on their functions. The watchtowers, often located on the highest points along the coast, were used for keeping a vigilant eye for potential threats. The defence towers, on the other hand, were used to guard the settlements and were often located within the city or the town.
The Towers’ Role in Protecting the Inhabitants by Pirate Attacks
The inhabitants of Mallorca relied on these towers and castles for their safety. When pirate ships were sighted, the guards in the towers would light a fire, and smoke signals would spread the warning throughout the island. The towers’ strategic locations allowed for the inhabitants to be warned in time, enabling them to retreat to safety.
The Towers Today: Preserved History and Stunning Scenery
Today, many of the towers have been restored and preserved as historical monuments. They serve as reminders of Mallorca’s tumultuous history, of the pirate attacks and the inhabitants’ resilience. At night, the towers are beautifully illuminated, making them a captivating sight against the Mallorcan skyline.
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