Torre del Serrat de la Plaça

Torre del Serrat de la Plaça is a round defensive tower standing on a hill right next to la Jonquera, in the Alt Empordà region, a few hundred metres west of the town centre. Also known locally as Torre dels Carlins, it belongs to a small group of fortifications that once guarded the border crossing between Catalonia and France.

How do you get there?

The tower sits on a rise outside the built-up part of town, roughly half a kilometre from la Jonquera's main square. A local footpath leads uphill to it — the walk is short, but the final stretch runs over unpaved ground, so comfortable footwear is worth having. The easiest starting point is from the town centre, heading toward the hill visible above the rooftops.

What will you see on site?

The structure itself is a compact, round tower built from local granite, with loopholes cut into the walls — a typical feature of buildings with a defensive function. It stands noticeably taller than similar towers in the area, and that extra height was no accident: it allowed the tower to signal and communicate across distance. Once inside, climbing to the upper level opens a panoramic view over all of la Jonquera and the surrounding hills of Alt Empordà — a view that explains why this particular spot was chosen.

What is the tower's history?

The exact date of construction isn't firmly established — researchers point to a possible 17th-century origin, during the Thirty Years' War, or alternatively the 18th century. The tower gained its greatest importance in the 19th century, during the Carlist Wars, when it was likely rebuilt and reinforced into its current artillery-and-rifle form. Beyond its defensive role, the tower was also part of an optical telegraph network — a system for relaying visual signals between observation points, widely used across 19th-century Europe before the age of electric telegraphy. Its strategic hilltop position, overlooking the whole town and its surroundings, meant the tower doubled as both a lookout post and a communication link.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the tower has no shade and is fully exposed to the sun, spring, early summer, or autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, with moderate temperatures and the clearest views from the top level. On clear days, free of the fog that sometimes settles over this part of Girona province, the panorama over Alt Empordà is at its best. The site pairs well with a visit to la Jonquera's other fortifications, including nearby defensive walls and watchtowers in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tower? Yes. Following a restoration completed in 1988, the tower is open to visitors, who can climb to the upper level.

Why is it also called Torre dels Carlins? The name refers to the 19th-century Carlist Wars, during which the tower gained its greatest military significance and underwent reconstruction.

How far is the tower from the centre of la Jonquera? It's about half a kilometre from town, on a hill just outside the built-up area — usually a walk of around fifteen minutes.

Is it worth combining with other sights nearby? Yes. La Jonquera has several other defensive structures from a similar era, making it easy to plan a short walking route focused on the town's fortifications.