For the Universal Exhibition of 1992, Seville gained 215 extra hectares. It became the event of the year. Much of the infrastructure vanished afterwards, since it was never built to last. Still, 32 of the 102 pavilions remain standing today. That makes this part of the city one of the best preserved Expo sites in the world.
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Torre del Jaral in Almayate Bajo
A fortress with a story carved in stone
Torre del Jaral stands just off the N-340 near Almayate Bajo, in the municipality of Vélez-Málaga. This medieval watchtower is part of the 13th- and 14th-century Nasrid defense system. Although it may have been altered in later centuries, the original design still shines through. Its spot, just a few minutes from Castillo del Marqués, adds to its historic charm.
Shape and structure
A bold design with strategic thinking
The tower has a rectangular base of about 5 by 3 meters and rises over 8 meters high. The lower body is solid, while the top part contains a room—now partially destroyed—that once gave clear views of the coastline. The entrance is high up, about 6 meters above ground on the north side. Climbing in wasn’t meant to be easy.
Clever defenses
Built to hold, watch, and defend
The rooftop includes a brick balustrade with openings. These were likely used for defense, some connected to matacanes—protruding stone structures from which soldiers could observe or drop objects on attackers. One of the openings, now damaged, gives direct access to the old entry point.
Materials that last
Brick, stone, and smart layering
The tower was built using verdugada, a method that alternates layers of brick and mortar. Larger stones reinforce the corners, boosting the overall strength. The balustrade and doorway are also made of brick, keeping the tower sturdy even after centuries of sun and salt.
Easy to reach, hard to ignore
A quick stop with deep roots
Right next to the N-340, Torre del Jaral is one of the most accessible coastal towers in Málaga province. It’s an ideal stop for those curious about medieval military architecture. Its layout and location speak volumes about how the Nasrids planned their coastal defenses.
Quick definitions
Balustrade: A short wall around rooftops or terraces to prevent falling.
Matacán: A structure on the upper level of a tower with small holes used for defense.
Torre del Jaral isn’t just an old tower—it’s a silent witness to centuries of strategy, design, and survival. A solid piece of history, just a few steps from modern traffic.
(c) photo and source: andaluciarustica.com
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