Torre Santandria: Menorca’s Defense Tower

The British-built Santandria Tower on the island of Menorca was constructed between 1799 and 1802 and served as a crucial component in the island's coastal defense strategy, reinforcing Sant Nicolau Castle. With its circular plan and truncated conical structure, Santandria Tower was encircled by a substantial 6 meter wide moat and surrounded by unbound stones. Unlike many other defense towers, the tower has a concealed entrance with an underground corridor that connects the ground floor with the counterscarp gallery, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The ground floor of the tower is fortified with 12 loopholes designed to fend off land-based threats. Its upper platform once hosted artillery, concealed beneath a circular parapet extending 2 meters wide. #tripblazers