OLIVENZA Watchtower of the Moitas

History

It is located near San Jorge de Alor, at an elevation of 384m, at the following coordinates: 38°39'30” N 7°3'35” W.

It can be reached by the local road from Olivenza to San Jorge de Alor. At Km 4, in the first section of a long straight line, you can see this watchtower on the left side. From the road, there is a dirt path that is accessible through an iron gate that must be kept closed to prevent the escape of livestock. If you come by car, you can park under an oak tree. You will start your approach from a large watering hole on the left and climb up, across the field, following the line of the watchtower, which you will lose on the way up. On the way, you will have to get around the rockroses and thickets and climb over a stone wall. Another more comfortable option is to start from the village itself, for which you will enter it through the Calle de las Parras, where the same road ends. Once you have entered the street, you will find yourself on the right, next to the public fountain, the old washing place and a watering place. Continue straight ahead via Calle del Centro, which ends at the square, where you can see the facade of the parochial church, with its large belfry. Continuing straight ahead via Calle Obispo Amadeo, leaving the village along the path that leads straight ahead, where you can see the watchtower. As you go up the path, you can see a beautiful view of the Alor valley, with the Olivenza river emerging and the Alor mountain range to the west, until you reach the iron gates of the wire fence on the left side of the path. You can drive through the gate and leave your vehicle there. From there, there is an easy walk up the hill, always in a westerly direction, until you reach the watchtower.

 

Its name "de las moitas" is based on the surrounding bush land. It is currently in a state of ruin. In fact, the entire north side has a large gap open almost to its top. The origin of the hole is due to the fact that in modern times a hole was made in the watchtower to access its interior, which has gradually become larger. The fact that they are part of the cultural heritage, but are located on private land, has led them to fall into disrepair. This is rather unfortunate, since this is the highest watchtower that has been preserved; it will disappear if nothing is done about it - which has already happened with some others.

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