Torre de San Vicente

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Enjoy a cultural visit to San Vicente Tower in Benicasim and travel back in time through its historical conflicts.

The Castellón coastline is populated with places steeped in history and Torre de San Vicente, San Vicente Tower, is one of them. Built between 1597 and 1599, this picturesque Renaissance fortification was an important part of the defence system protecting Olla de Benicasim. As such, battles between privateers and Barbary pirates took place here aboard their ships.

Nevertheless, San Vicente Tower was not just a military bastion, it also played a key role in the repopulation of the town, which found itself in a state of insecurity due to the pirate attacks. When it was built, therefore, it helped pave the way for the Town Charter of 1603, which saw the settlement be reborn. San Vicente Tower was guarded by a group of five armed men (a warden, two soldiers and two atajadors) that had cannons and firearms available for their defence.

Although the passing of time and renovations have had an impact on its architecture, San Vicente Tower boasts distinct elements from its Renaissance past such as the square plan (which is almost a cube), the sloped sides, the cannon ports and the turrets. Despite its transformation, San Vicente Tower’s history is still very much alive.

That’s all we’re going to tell you about the structure for now: come for a visit to discover more for yourself.