Torre Mas Enrich

Torre Mas Enrich, also known as Torre del Moro, is a medieval defensive tower in the Horta neighborhood of Barcelona, listed as a cultural heritage site of local interest. It stands on Plaça Ciutadella, at the corner with Carrer Coimbra, in a spot that has long been known simply as la Ciutadella.

Where does the name come from?

The tower dates back to the 16th century, when it served as a watchtower attached to the old Mas Enrich farmhouse, later renamed Mas Fontanet. It stood along the route troops used when marching toward Valldaura Castle in the Collserola hills, and soldiers would stop here to rest. During the War of the Spanish Succession, Archduke Charles of Habsburg and his wife reportedly stayed at the tower, since the Fontanet family backed the Austrian claim and this isolated spot on the city's outskirts was considered safe. Its popular nickname, Torre del Moro (Tower of the Moor), comes from carved heads decorating one of its windows — a woman and a man wearing a turban.

What will you see there?

The tower has a square floor plan, built from irregular masonry with corners reinforced in stone, later partly replaced with brick. A pointed-arch doorway forms the entrance, and the facade is pierced by two late-Gothic ogee windows — one of which still holds the carved busts mentioned above. Although the building has been in poor structural condition for years, its architecture still clearly reflects its medieval origins and the successive layers of history added over the following centuries.

How did the tower change over time?

After its military and noble past, Horta became a tanning district — in the 18th century, the abundant water supply in the area fed numerous leather workshops, and the tower and its surrounding buildings were put to industrial use. By the mid-20th century it housed a foundry. During the Franco dictatorship, the building reportedly concealed a clandestine printing press producing communist publications, one that authorities never discovered — a detail that remains part of the neighborhood's historical memory today.

What condition is it in now?

Torre Mas Enrich is currently in a state of serious neglect: the site has been used as a scrap metal yard, and visible structural degradation led to it being sealed off due to collapse risk. Barcelona City Council has been in talks over acquiring the tower, while residents of Horta have long pushed for its restoration and recognition as part of the district's heritage. As a result, the building is not open to visitors on the inside — it can only be viewed from the outside, while walking around Plaça Ciutadella.

How do you get there?

The tower sits well inside the Horta district, in the northern part of Barcelona, reachable by public transport from the city centre. It makes for a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Horta on foot, offering a quieter, less touristy side of Barcelona away from the crowds downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the tower? No — the building is closed to visitors because of its poor structural condition and the risk of collapse. It can only be seen from the outside.

Why is it called Torre del Moro? Because of carved heads decorating one of its Gothic windows, depicting a woman and a man wearing a turban.

How old is the tower? It dates from the 16th century, though some architectural features point to later alterations in subsequent centuries.

Is the tower legally protected? Yes, it is listed as a cultural heritage site of local interest, although it has remained neglected for years despite this protection.