Torre de Piles
A 16th-century watchtower built to protect the coast of Piles from Berber piracy. Its construction was decided after the assault of 1532 and the defensive study ordered by Philip II in 1575; the work was carried out in 1577 with a garrison of four men.
In 1532 the coast suffered an assault by Ben Aydin, an episode that made clear the need to strengthen surveillance of the shoreline. In 1575 Philip II ordered a study to improve coastal defence and, as a result, the tower was built in 1577. The building was provided with a garrison of four men, whose task was to watch the coast and give warning of any threat. The Torre de Piles is therefore one piece of the defensive network raised in the second half of the 16th century. The construction helps explain how surveillance of the coast was organised at that time.
More information on the official website.
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