Castell d'Alaró
5
The eastern defenses
If you leave behind the section of wall where the cistern stands, you will see a small turret and a square tower known in medieval documents as the Blind Tower or Spur Tower.
At the beginning of the fourteenth century, this sector underwent a major strengthening of its defences, reinforcing earlier structures. The work was carried out using carefully cut stone laid in regular courses, revealing a solid and carefully planned construction.
The reform had a double purpose. On the one hand, it protected a particularly vulnerable section of the cliffs with a new defensive wall. On the other, it strengthened the main access to the Castle. To achieve this, the entire complex was designed as an integrated system together with the new entrance gate and barbican.
Initially, only the tower, the wall and an arrow slit above the barbican gate were built. However, in 1345, the small turret still visible today was added.
As for the tower itself, there is an interesting anecdote. In 1414, the roofs and door had to be repaired after being damaged by lightning. Another notable feature is its straight-lintel window, unlike the round-arched windows preserved in the keep. The doorway, however, does feature this type of arch, characteristic of Gothic civil architecture. Today, the structure is in a fragile state of conservation, having lost its voussoirs and facing the risk of collapse.
Finally, it should be noted that, had it not been for the repairs carried out on the tower walls using pale mortar — believed to date from the 1930s — the entire structure would probably have collapsed.
At the beginning of the fourteenth century, this sector underwent a major strengthening of its defences, reinforcing earlier structures. The work was carried out using carefully cut stone laid in regular courses, revealing a solid and carefully planned construction.
The reform had a double purpose. On the one hand, it protected a particularly vulnerable section of the cliffs with a new defensive wall. On the other, it strengthened the main access to the Castle. To achieve this, the entire complex was designed as an integrated system together with the new entrance gate and barbican.
Initially, only the tower, the wall and an arrow slit above the barbican gate were built. However, in 1345, the small turret still visible today was added.
As for the tower itself, there is an interesting anecdote. In 1414, the roofs and door had to be repaired after being damaged by lightning. Another notable feature is its straight-lintel window, unlike the round-arched windows preserved in the keep. The doorway, however, does feature this type of arch, characteristic of Gothic civil architecture. Today, the structure is in a fragile state of conservation, having lost its voussoirs and facing the risk of collapse.
Finally, it should be noted that, had it not been for the repairs carried out on the tower walls using pale mortar — believed to date from the 1930s — the entire structure would probably have collapsed.
The hydraulic system
4
Life in the castle