Watchtower of Torrelodones

Last updated
Watchtower of Torrelodones
Native name
Spanish: Atalaya de Torrelodones
Atalaya de Torrelodones 3.jpg
Location Torrelodones, Spain
Coordinates 40°34′26″N3°55′57″W / 40.573877°N 3.932473°W / 40.573877; -3.932473 Coordinates: 40°34′26″N3°55′57″W / 40.573877°N 3.932473°W / 40.573877; -3.932473
Official nameAtalaya de Torrelodones
TypeNon-movable
CriteriaMonument
Designated1983
Reference no.RI-51-0004938
Spain location map with provinces.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Watchtower of Torrelodones in Spain

The Watchtower of Torrelodones (Spanish: Atalaya de Torrelodones) is an Islamic-era construction located in the Spanish municipality of Torrelodones, Community of Madrid, Spain. It was erected at some point during the Umayyad period of Al-Andalus, between the ninth and eleventh centuries. The tower, which has the status of Asset of Cultural Interest, is one of the best preserved Islamic watchtowers in the Madrid region. The current construction shows several alterations, the result of restoration work undertaken in 1928, after the partial collapse of its walls. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1983. [1]

Etymology

The watchtower takes its name from the Honeyberry, a tree that was widespread in its surroundings. By extension, the hamlet nearby ended up being called Torrelodones. The tower became the symbol of the settlement, which incorporated it into its coat of arms.


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References

  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2017-04-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)