Torre Ferraz

Torre Ferraz is a medieval defensive tower in Mutxamel, a small town in the province of Alicante, and one of the most valuable heritage sites the municipality has to offer. Together with the adjoining Casa Ferraz and the Santa Elena gardens, it forms a protected heritage complex sitting in the historic town centre, on Plaza de San Roque, right at the start of Paseo de la Constitución.

When was the tower built and why?

The Casa-Torre Ferraz dates back to the first half of the 15th century — recent archaeological work has actually pushed its construction date earlier than researchers previously assumed. The building belongs to a well-known local typology: fortified farmhouses built across L'Horta d'Alacant, the fertile plain surrounding Alicante, by landowners who needed protection from corsair raids that regularly struck the Mediterranean coastline at the time. The tower served a dual role, combining living quarters with a lookout post — from its upper floors, watchmen could spot approaching danger early and warn the surrounding farmland.

What does the tower actually look like?

Torre Ferraz rises over a ground floor and two upper storeys, topped with a cornice and a tiled roof. Its walls are built from rubble masonry, with dressed ashlar blocks reinforcing the corners — a standard construction technique for the period. A lintelled window and a distinctive gargoyle, used to channel rainwater away from the walls, have survived on the façade. One of the more notable findings from recent excavations is that the tower's base is actually rectangular rather than square, correcting an assumption held for a long time about its original floor plan.

What historical events are connected to this place?

Right in the tower's vicinity, the Battle of Mutxamel took place in 1812 during the Peninsular War. French troops under General Louis Gabriel Suchet were defeated there by forces led by General Joseph Rocca, then governor of Alicante. The episode remains part of local historical memory and is often mentioned alongside the tower in accounts of the town's past.

What is happening with the site today?

In December 2023, Mutxamel's town council purchased the Casa-Torre Ferraz along with the adjoining Jardines de Santa Elena for 2.5 million euros, aiming to secure the site's long-term conservation and eventually open it to residents and visitors. Following the acquisition, the local heritage department commissioned a detailed archaeological study of the building, which produced new data on its materials and building techniques. That research is now feeding into a master plan for restoration and public access. The tower is not yet fully open to visitors, but preparatory work toward its revitalisation is underway.

How do you get to Torre Ferraz?

The tower stands on the edge of Mutxamel's historic centre, toward Xixona, on Plaza de San Roque, just where the town's main promenade, Paseo de la Constitución, begins. It's an easy walk from the town centre and pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby El Salvador church and the town's other landmark tower, Torre de Mutxamel.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Torre Ferraz? The building is currently undergoing conservation studies and restoration planning following its purchase by the town council in 2023, so interior access may be limited — it's worth checking with the local tourist office before visiting.

How old is the tower? The Casa-Torre Ferraz dates to the first half of the 15th century, making it one of the oldest surviving defensive structures in the L'Horta d'Alacant region.

Why was the tower built in the first place? It was built as a fortified residence to protect a rural estate from corsair raids along the Mediterranean coast — a typical example of the defensive architecture found across the farmland surrounding Alicante.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Close by you'll find the Santa Elena gardens and Mutxamel's historic centre, including the El Salvador church and the town's Torre de Mutxamel, all of which can easily be combined into one short heritage walk.