Macenas Tower

Macenas Tower, locally known as Castillo de Macenas, lies on the beach, south of the village of Ventanicas-el-Cantal in the province of Almería in Spain.

Macenas Tower was built in the second half of the 18th century, during the reign of Charles III of Spain. It is an artillery tower of the horseshoe-type for coastal defense, just like the Mesa Roldán and Cristal towers, also in Almería.

In 1803 it was armed with two 24-pounder cannons. Originally entrance to the tower was gained through a doorway on first floor level, accessed by a rope ladder. On the lowest level were rooms for gunpowder and storage. On the first floor level were a kitchen and living quarters. The cannons would be situated on the roof.

In 1830 Macenas Tower was reported to be in disrepair and manned by a corporal and 3 guards. In 1873 it was used by the Carabineros Corps and there was a house-barracks next to it. In 1941 it was  ceded to the Guardia Civil. During their use of the tower the entrance on ground floor level was made. Macenas Tower now stands abandoned.

At present the exterior of Macenas Tower can freely be visited. I don't know if it is ever open, but I would like to take a look inside. A nice fort tower. Pirulico Tower is nearby.

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