Torre de las Cinco Esquinas

Torre de las Cinco Esquinas is one of the medieval towers guarding the town walls of Daroca, a small Aragonese town in the province of Zaragoza. It stands on the best-preserved stretch of the fortifications, between the Puerta Alta gate and the Torre de la Espuela, right where the walls begin their climb up San Jorge hill.

What will you see?

The tower's name comes from its unusual shape — an irregular pentagon built from carefully squared ashlar stone, which sets it apart from the dozens of other towers ringing Daroca. Inside, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a spiral staircase survive, the same stairs the town guards once climbed while patrolling the walls.

The tower connects to a stretch of wall built using the tapial technique — rammed earth reinforced with brick — decorated with Mudejar brickwork tracery, typical of Aragonese defensive architecture from the 13th to 16th centuries, a style blending Islamic and Christian influences. The entire fortified complex of Daroca, Torre de las Cinco Esquinas included, was declared a National Monument on June 3, 1931.

Visits are limited to the exterior and are free of charge, but the tower remains one of the most striking stops along the walking route that runs the length of the walls.

How do you get there?

The best starting point is the Puerta Baja gate, from which a marked trail follows the walls toward San Cristóbal hill — a full loop takes roughly two hours, and sturdy walking shoes are worth wearing since the terrain gets steep and rocky in places. The stretch between Puerta Alta, San Cristóbal hill and Puerta Baja, where Torre de las Cinco Esquinas stands, is considered the most scenic section of the whole route. Maps and marked itineraries are available at the tourist office on Calle Mayor 44 in Daroca.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

A walk along the walls pairs well with a visit to the Castillo Mayor, also known as Castillo de la Morica Encantada — a former Muslim fortress dating to the 11th century, later remodeled in the 19th, reachable via a roughly 45-minute route. In Daroca's town center, look out for the Church of San Miguel, the Portal del Arrabal gate, the Casa del Diablo, and above all the Colegiata de Santa María, which houses the relic of the Sagrados Corporales — one of Aragon's most significant objects of religious veneration.

When should you visit?

Given the elevation and steep climbs along the route, spring or autumn is the best time for walking the walls, when temperatures are milder than during Aragon's hot summers. Morning hours also offer the best light for photographing the stone towers against the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Torre de las Cinco Esquinas? No, the tower can be viewed from the outside free of charge, as with most of Daroca's town walls.

Where does the tower's name come from? From its unusual pentagonal floor plan — a rare feature among defensive towers in this region.

How long does it take to walk the full length of the walls? A full circuit of Daroca's walls takes about two hours on foot, with the route up to the castle adding another 45 minutes.

Is it worth combining the tower with Daroca's other landmarks? Yes — the stretch featuring Torre de las Cinco Esquinas sits close to the most interesting parts of the walls and leads toward the town center, home to the Colegiata de Santa María and the Castillo Mayor.