Aguiló Tower

Located in a strategic spot on the cliffs overlooking the bay between Villajoyosa and Benidorm, the tower was part of the defensive district of La Vila Joiosa, considered one of the most important in the former Kingdom of Valencia. From here, a large part of the coast was monitored, and rapid alerts were issued regarding the presence of enemy ships seeking to land in order to plunder the town or capture people destined for ransom or the slave markets of North Africa, particularly in cities such as Oran or Algiers.

Surveillance was constant. Three soldiers stationed in the tower inspected the nearby coves daily, and in case of danger, they lit large bonfires on the terrace to send warning signals to other towers and fortresses along the coast. The tower also had a small cannon or mortar to hinder any attempted landings on the coasts of Villajoyosa and Benidorm.

Architecturally, it retains several defensive elements characteristic of Renaissance towers: embrasures and firing ports, a machicolation to defend the base of the structure, and a water storage system using earthenware jars as cisterns. In its day, it was equipped with firearms such as the arquebus, which gradually replaced the crossbow during the 16th century.

Today, the Torre de l’Aguiló is one of the most iconic landmarks of Villajoyosa’s historical and scenic heritage. In addition to its historical significance, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and serves as an excellent vantage point for learning about the history of the Alicante coast’s defenses against pirates.