Norfeu Tower

Coordinates: 42.2434200000, 3.2502810000 (map)

The Norfeu Tower (Torre Norfeu), the lone structure standing on the mountain between the coves Cala Pelosa and Cala Joncols some ten kilometres from Roses, was built between 1598 and 1599 as part of the chain of watchtowers spread along the coast between Roses and Cadaqués to protect the locals from pirates.

Originally, the tower had two floors and a battlement protected by a serrated parapet. It was 7.5 m tall and contained a wooden staircase used by its garrison to move between floors and embrasures to open fire on the enemy. The ground floor of the tower was equipped with a water reservoir.

Most structures of this kind that were built away from residential areas slowly unravel and deteriorate, unable to resist nature's claim or visitors seeking construction material to steal. As evidenced by the archives of the parish church of Cadaqués, it didn't take long for the tower of Norfeu to meet its demise—a hit by lightning in the 17th century rendered it unusable.

The climb towards the tower Norfeu begins from the point with the coordinates 42.247698, 3.247532, found on the highway Carretera de Montjoi leading out of Roses.