Molí del Morelló

Molí del Morelló is a historic mill tower in Calp, one of the recognisable landmarks along the Arenal beach promenade. It stands on a small rise at the western edge of the Baños de la Reina archaeological site and has long served as an orientation point for residents and visitors exploring the old part of town.

What kind of building is it?

It was originally a flour mill, built in the second half of the 19th century. It wasn't raised from scratch, though — the mill reused the foundations of a much older watchtower dating back to the reign of Philip II, built to defend the coast from pirate raids. That combination gives the structure a two-layered history: first military, then industrial.

What does it look like?

The tower is cylindrical and taller than it is wide, with two floors and a height of roughly 7 metres. Its walls are made of roughly hewn local stone bonded with generous lime mortar, a technique typical of defensive and industrial buildings in the Marina Alta area from that era.

Who owned the mill?

The earliest known reference to the building appears on a hydrographic commission plan from 1876. A census from 1893 lists Pedro Ferrer Signes as the owner, and he may also have been the one who built it. In the early 20th century ownership passed to the Llopis family, and the property later became municipal, which is how it has been preserved as part of the town's heritage.

Why is the mill in this exact spot?

The location on a small rise beside the promenade is no accident. The earlier watchtower needed a clear line of sight over the sea to warn residents of approaching danger, and that same position later suited a mill that could catch the wind blowing in from the coast. Its closeness to Baños de la Reina, one of Calp's most important archaeological sites, adds further historical weight to this stretch of town.

Can visitors see it?

Calp has worked for years to preserve and open up its historic mills, including Molí del Morelló, as part of the town's cultural heritage trail. The tower can be viewed from the outside during a walk along the Arenal beach promenade, and its proximity to the town centre and to Baños de la Reina makes it an easy stop to fold into a walking route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Molí del Morelló mean? "Molí" is the Valencian and Catalan word for "mill," while "Morelló" most likely refers to a family name or nickname tied to the site's history or its owners.

How old is the building? The tower itself dates back to the time of Philip II as a watchtower in the 16th century, while its use as a mill began in the second half of the 19th century.

Where exactly is Molí del Morelló located? It sits on a rise along the Arenal beach promenade in Calp, at the western edge of the Baños de la Reina archaeological area.

Is entry to the tower free? The tower can be viewed from the outside at any time while walking the promenade; access to the interior depends on the town's current conservation work.