Towers

The tower Torre Simona that stands in the small township of the same name in the suburbs of Mont-ras is an observation tower built in the 14th-15th centuries to defend the locals from pirates. It has clearly been a part of a large house that has not survived to this day.

The Simona tower has a stern rectangular structure and an elegant crown with semicircular arches — three on the northern side and four on the eastern and western sides, respectively. The tower is approximately 20 meters tall.

The township inside which Torre Simona is found is fenced off but the gates are always open — as the tower is a protected heritage site, the locals welcome visitors to take a look. (Beware of numerous unleashed dogs, however!)

Torre d’en Montgó is an observation tower built in 1598 by the royal decree of Felipe I to protect the fishermen of L’Escala from pirates. The tower has been well preserved and is now included on the list of the national cultural heritage objects. Its prime location on a mountaintop that used to guarantee clear views of approaching enemy is still high in demand — the Montgó tower has an excellent scenic lookout with amazing vistas.

The observation tower on the square Plaça de Pella i Forgas in Begur was built in the 16th century to defend the town against pirates.

The house that the tower is attached to is named after the Catalan politician, historian and publicist Jose Pella y Forgas (1852-1918), born in Begur, who previously owned the estate.