Torre Vigía de Castilnovo

The Castilnovo Tower is located on "my" beach 🏝️, meaning the beach around the corner, where I swim every day. It's called Castilnovo beach.

In 1295, King Sancho IV wanted to reward Don Alonso Pérez de Guzmán for his heroic behavior in the siege of Tarifa by granting him a series of favors, among which were the almadrabas and tuna fishing in the town of Conil.

To prevent Muslim attacks, Guzmán the Good fortified the coast and the almadraba by building a castle (Guzmán Tower) , the Walls and the watchtowers of Roche Tower , Blanca Tower, Atalaya Tower and Castilnovo Tower, of which only Roche and Castilnovo remain today.

In the Middle Ages, as a complement to the defensive system consisting of castles and fortresses and a militia that patrolled the coast on horseback daily, a string of watchtowers were built that marked the coastal area from Ayamonte to Gibraltar, such as the Castilnovo Tower.

These towers alerted neighboring towers through a system of smoke and fire signals, warning the townspeople to be on the alert. 🔥🔥🔥

Over time, these towers fell into disuse, becoming silent witnesses to a turbulent past. The Castilnovo tower was partially destroyed by the tsunami of November 1, 1755.

The Castilnovo Tower is the most important in Conil after the Guzmán Tower, as it had a dual purpose: defensive and to assist the almadraba fishing ground of the same name. It was part of a walled enclosure, a small fortress with an alcaide, a prominent position with a voice and vote in the Conil council.

It is in a state of consolidated ruin. It was restored in 1995.

By the way it's a wonderful place to watch birds. 🐦‍⬛🕊️🦅Read more