Torre des Pi des Català

Everything you need to know about Torre des Pi des Català 

Torre des Pi des Català is a historic structure located in the Migjorn area on the island of Formentera, Spain. This tower, built in the 18th century, is part of the network of defense towers constructed on the island with the purpose of protecting its residents from potential pirate attacks that were common during that era.

Strategically positioned on the southern coast of the island, Torre des Pi des Català played a crucial role in monitoring and safeguarding this important maritime entry point. Its primary function was to detect any threats coming from the sea and alert the local population so they could take the necessary defensive measures.

What sets Torre des Pi des Català apart is that it’s the only defense tower in Formentera that allows visitors to venture inside. Upon entering, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s history, learn more about its defensive heritage, and enjoy breathtaking views from its upper part. This tower has become a historical and cultural attraction, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts alike, offering a unique insight into life on the island in bygone eras and its struggle against pirate incursions.

Keep in mind… 

Despite being open for interior visits with free admission, the visiting hours have varied significantly over time. As of the date of writing these lines, the Consell Insular de Formentera indicates that advance reservations are necessary, and visitors should send an email to coneixpatrimoni@conselldeformentera.cat

How to get to Torre des Pi des Català 

To access Torre des Pi des Català, you must follow a series of directions that will lead you from the main road PM820 to the tower’s location. While the access may not be particularly straightforward, there are directional signs along the way to guide you effectively.

1. From the main road PM820, look for the turnoff towards Ca Marí.
2. Once on this stretch of road, turn right at the next junction.
3. Continue along this road for 1.3 kilometers until you reach the path marked with a sign that reads “Torre des Pi des Català.”
4. From this point, you’ll proceed along a narrow path for approximately 1.7 kilometers.
5. At the end of this path, you’ll find a parking area near the beach where you can leave your car.
6. From there, you’ll need to walk towards the forest.
7. Torre des Pi des Català is located atop an elevation from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Migjorn and the horizon.

History of Torre des Pi des Català 

The Pi des Català Tower is one of the four defensive towers on the coast of the island of Formentera. They were constructed between 1762 and 1763 and were primarily used for defensive and surveillance purposes until 1867.

The tower has a circular footprint with an outer diameter of 12.56 meters at its base and a frustoconical geometry organized into three levels. The lower level included a gunpowder magazine and a larger room with an original stone staircase that connected to the main chamber. This staircase disappeared when a hole was made and used as a door during the 20th century. It is believed that this gap in the tower was opened by ancient almadraba fishermen located in Migjorn for tuna fishing, using the structure for shelter and storing fishing gear.

On the first floor of the Torre des Pi des Català, you can see the original entrance door, elevated above ground level for defensive reasons and protected by a “matacán” and a vertical duct.

Restoration of Torre des Pi des Català 

The restoration intervention in 2016 was carried out by local architect Marià Castelló and focused on parts that posed a threat to the building’s structural integrity while preserving its overall character and identity. Materials very similar to the originals were used, but attention was paid to highlighting the chronological differences between the original substrate and the intervention process. Corten steel and other contemporary materials were used for carpentry and protective elements that did not exist in the original construction.

On the upper platform, vegetation that compromised the waterproofing was removed, and the old “garita” that protected the access to the platform and from which the “matacán” was used was highlighted. The Torre ‘Pi des Català’ is the only tower on the entire island that can be visited by tourists.

This restoration and the historical circumstances surrounding it are what make it the only accessible tower among the four on the island of Formentera today. However, it’s important to emphasize that contacting the Consell Insular de Formentera and their Department of Culture is necessary to schedule an appointment to visit the interior. Nonetheless, the visit is free of charge.

Journey to Formentera’s Past 

Stepping into the imposing Torre des Pi des Català is like embarking on a fascinating journey through time, an experience that tangibly transports us to the intricate corridors of Formentera’s history in the 18th century.

As you cross its threshold, one cannot help but appreciate the harshness of those bygone times when defense towers like this one played a crucial role in the island’s survival against the relentless pirate attacks that threatened its shores. The 18th century was an era where uncertainty and the struggle for security were constants, and the Torre des Pi des Català stood as a vigilant beacon amidst the marine darkness, a silent witness to tumultuous times.

As you explore its stone chambers, you can’t help but feel surrounded by the imprints of past generations. The rough walls and mysterious corners of the tower seem to whisper tales of vigilant guardians, watching over the island’s safety, and the intrepid inhabitants of Formentera who gazed toward the horizon with hope and determination.

Imagining all the people who have shared this stone interior over the centuries is an exhilarating exercise. The concerned gazes of the guardians, the hurried conversations of the soldiers, and the families seeking refuge in times of danger—all these stories seem to be etched into the very walls that surround you.

Thus, as you explore the Torre des Pi des Català, you find yourself immersed in a living tableau of the past, a tangible reminder of the resilience and tenacity of those who faced the adversities of a bygone era. It’s an experience that enriches our understanding of Formentera’s history and its enduring connection to the sea, as well as its unwavering struggle for survival.