Torre del Marenyet
A watchtower about 20 metres tall, built in 1577 under Felipe II at the mouth of the Júcar to defend the coast against Barbary pirate raids. Restored and listed as a Cultural Heritage Asset (BIC), it now houses a small museum on coastal defence against pirates and corsair Dragut's attack on Cullera.
In 1577, during the reign of Felipe II, the Torre del Marenyet was raised at the mouth of the Júcar in Cullera to watch over a coast plagued by Barbary pirates. It stands about 20 metres tall, and from the top the whole shoreline could be controlled.
Why it was built
The 16th century was hard on this stretch of the Mediterranean: corsair galleys raided entire villages and carried off captives. The tower belonged to a chain of watchtowers that signalled each other with fire and smoke. The name Marenyet refers to the sandy marshland around it.
What to see inside
Restored and listed as a Cultural Heritage Asset (BIC), it holds a small museum about coastal defence against pirates and about corsair Dragut's famous attack on Cullera. It's a short visit that pairs well with the town's other defensive landmarks, such as the Torre de la Reina Mora — a worthwhile stop on a day trip near València.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Marenyet Tower free or paid?
It is not free: inside it houses a small museum. To find out the current price, check the official website.
Where is the Marenyet Tower?
It stands next to the mouth of the Júcar, in Cullera, about 45 km from València.
Why was the Marenyet Tower built?
It is a watchtower of about 20 metres built in 1577, in the time of Philip II, to defend the coast from attacks by Barbary pirates; today it is a listed heritage site and holds a museum about coastal defence against pirates and Dragut's assault on Cullera.
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