Monument i Vélez-Málaga

Historic Coastal Landmarks

Explore the defensive history of the Axarquía coastline through these 16th and 18th-century watchtowers and industrial landmarks. This network of structures, including the distinctive horseshoe-shaped Torre Moya and the leaning Torre Ladeada, was built to guard against pirate incursions. The list also highlights the region's evolution with the 19th-century sugar factory chimney and the modern Torre del Mar lighthouse, reflecting both the maritime and industrial heritage of Vélez-Málaga.

A

Torre Vigía Algarrobo 2

A 16th-century watchtower also known as Torre Nueva. It features a horseshoe-shaped floor plan, a modification added in the 18th century to provide a stable platform for artillery.

B

Torre Vigía Algarrobo 1

A 16th-century watchtower known locally as Torre Ladeada due to its prominent lean. It was originally part of the coastal defense system used to signal the approach of Barbary pirates.

C

Faro

The Torre del Mar lighthouse, built in 1976. Standing 26 meters tall, this modern structure replaced earlier 19th and 20th-century beacons that guided maritime traffic along the coast.

D

Old Factory Tower

A preserved industrial chimney from the 19th-century Nuestra Señora del Carmen sugar factory. It serves as a landmark of Torre del Mar’s history as a center for sugar cane processing.

E

Torre Vigía de Chilches

A 16th-century circular watchtower standing eight meters tall. It functioned as part of a maritime signaling chain, using smoke by day and fire by night to communicate threats.

F

Torre Vigía Moya

An 18th-century horseshoe-shaped tower, or 'torre de pezuña,' located in Benajarafe. Its design was specifically engineered to withstand the recoil of heavy cannons mounted on its roof.

G

Torre Vigía Manganeta

A 16th-century masonry watchtower located near the mouth of the Vélez River. It remains in a partially ruined state, showing the original stone and mortar construction used for coastal defense.

H

Torre Vigía Gui

A 16th-century circular watchtower positioned on a cliffside between Lagos and Mezquitilla. It served as a vital observation post for monitoring the Alboran Sea.

I

Torre Vigía Lagos

A 16th-century defensive tower located in the village of Lagos. This circular stone structure was built to protect the local population by providing early warnings of maritime attacks.