Torre Vigía

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Travel back in time with a visit to the Watchtower in El Puig de Santa Maria, a 16th-century monument overlooking the sea.

Among El Puig de Santa Maria’s monuments, one of the most notable is Torre Vigía, a watchtower built in the late 16th century. This historic landmark was key in defending the Valencian coastline against Algerian, Turkish and Barbary pirate attacks. The red-stone tower has a tapered cylindrical shape that measures six metres in diameter and is 20.5 metres tall, divided into three parts. The tower’s original embrasures are still present today, as are the windows.

El Puig de Santa Maria Watchtower was constructed as part of a coastal defense system consisting of thirteen similar towers across the Valencian coastline. Communication between the towers was achieved by lighting signal fires on their upper platforms, creating an efficient warning system.

Today, the residential area Playa-Puig sits next to the tower, not far from the myriad of coves that stretch along the coast. The monument has recently been restored by the Department of Culture, transforming it into a significant landmark and a powerful testament to the history and resilience of the Region of Valencia. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love checking out the Watchtower in El Puig de Santa Maria. Follow in the footsteps of a bygone era as you explore the tower.