Balerma Fortified Tower

Balerma Fortified Tower, situated on the edge of the village of Balerma, forms part of a complex system of fortifications built as a result of a regulation published by Charles III of Spain to defend the coast of the Kingdom of Granada. Balerma Fortified Tower dates from the mid-18th century.

A masonry flight of steps and a drawbridge were documented in 1803. The upper part of the tower comprised living quarters for the two keepers who, together with a corporal, formed the military staff, although records from 1849 show that by then the architecture had was in such a poor state of repair that the two keepers had to live in nearby huts. The ground floor accommodated the equipment and supplies required to carry out its function: protecting the coast between Cerrillos Tower to the east and Guardias Viejas Fort to the west.