Torre de Magru

Torre de Magrú, in the municipality of Purullena (Granada, Andalusia), is a medieval watchtower perched on the Alto del Magrú, at roughly 1,012 metres above sea level, overlooking the Fardes river valley and the wider Hoya de Guadix basin.

What is Torre de Magrú?

Built during the Islamic period, the tower formed part of a chain of surveillance watchtowers protecting the Hoya de Guadix, backed by the alcazaba of Guadix. Its job was to spot Christian forces advancing from Jaén long before they reached the valley floor. Locally it is also known as Torre de Cúllar.

The structure is cylindrical, with a circular floor plan just 3.55 metres across; about 4.4 metres of its original height survives today. It was built in rubble masonry, alternating rows of larger and medium stones with smaller flat ones — a construction method typical of Andalusian defensive towers from this era.

The tower carries heritage protection under the generic decree of 22 April 1949 and Spanish Law 16/1985 on Historical Heritage, roughly equivalent to a Bien de Interés Cultural listing.

How do you get there?

Purullena sits on the A-92/N-342 road a few kilometres west of Guadix, on the way toward Granada. The village is best known for its cave houses (casas cueva) lining the main road. Torre de Magrú stands outside the village centre, on high ground reached by a dirt track or footpath — expect a short uphill walk rather than a drive to the door. It pairs naturally with a stop in Guadix, a fifteen-minute drive away, home to a cathedral and one of Spain's largest troglodyte quarters.

What will you see?

The tower itself is modest in size but still striking up close: thick stone walls that have survived centuries of weather, even though the upper section is long gone. The real reward is the view — from Alto del Magrú, the Fardes valley and the whole Hoya de Guadix basin unfold below, framed by the eroded badlands scenery this part of Granada province is known for. It is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in Andalusia's medieval defensive network, and a favourite for landscape photographers, especially at sunset when the ochre earth and rock formations turn deep red and gold.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the mildest conditions, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for the walk up. Summers in the Hoya de Guadix get very hot, and the rocky terrain around the tower offers no shade, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is safer in July and August. Winters are cooler and windier, but visibility is usually excellent.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. Torre de Magrú stands on open land, and there is no charge to walk up or view it from outside.

Can you go inside the tower? Only part of the structure survives, without a roof or interior floors, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside and its immediate surroundings.

How long does the walk from Purullena take? Reaching the tower on foot from the edge of the village usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and your pace.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — Guadix, with its cathedral and troglodyte quarter, and Purullena's own cave houses are both close by, making a natural one-day itinerary around this part of Granada.