Torre Blava

Torre Blava is a small, circular defensive tower standing right on Ribes Roges beach in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a Catalan port town in the Garraf region less than 50 km south of Barcelona. Its Catalan name literally means "blue tower," a reference to the colour the structure is painted. Today it houses an art space called Espai Guinovart and is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

Where does the tower come from?

Torre Blava was built in the final third of the 19th century, during the Third Carlist War, as one of three watchtowers protecting the fishing town of Vilanova from corsairs, pirates and hostile navies. Its job was to keep watch over the coastline, which explains why it stands right on the seafront promenade, Passeig de Ribes Roges. The tower has been protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest since 1949, reflecting its historical value for the region.

How did a watchtower become an art gallery?

In 2000, Catalan artist Josep Guinovart (1927–2007) was commissioned to turn the old watchtower into a tribute to sailors and the sea itself. The result, Espai Guinovart, is a three-storey circular tower topped with a roof terrace, with each floor built around a different maritime theme. The ground floor tells stories of pirate legends and shipwrecks, the first floor presents a composition of ropes and fishing knots symbolising the hard labour of fishermen and sailors, and the top floor gathers works by artists inspired by the sea. The contrast between the rough 19th-century shell and the contemporary artistic interior is one of the main reasons to step inside.

What will you see inside?

Visiting Torre Blava means walking through three distinct maritime narratives packed into one compact building. The interior mixes scenographic elements — ropes, nets, nautical motifs — with artworks by Guinovart and invited artists. Given its small footprint, a visit typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, but the intimate scale and the tower's direct connection to the beach make it an easy stop to combine with a walk along the seafront promenade.

How do you get there?

The tower sits on Passeig de Ribes Roges, right above the beach of the same name, in an easily reachable part of Vilanova i la Geltrú. It's a short walk of about fifteen minutes along the promenade from the town centre and the train station, making it a convenient stop on a route that also takes in the harbour, the beaches and the historic town.

When should you visit?

Espai Guinovart operates seasonally, with opening hours concentrated in the summer months and weekends, so it's worth checking current hours before visiting, especially outside the holiday season. Summer is the best time to combine a visit with a swim and a stroll along the promenade, when Ribes Roges beach is at its liveliest and the tower's stone interior offers a cool break from the heat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Torre Blava? It's a former 19th-century defensive tower from the Carlist Wars, converted in 2000 into Espai Guinovart, an art space dedicated to the sea and to sailors.

Where does the name "blue tower" come from? The Catalan name Torre Blava refers to the blue colour the tower is painted; it is also known as Torre de Ribes Roges, after the beach where it stands.

How long does a visit take? Because the tower is small, a visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, easy to pair with a walk on the promenade or time on the beach.

Is the tower open all year round? No — Espai Guinovart operates seasonally, mainly in summer and on weekends, so check the current schedule before you go.