Orihuela City Council has instructed the owners of the sixteenth-century Cabo Roig Tower to carry out restoration work after structural damage was identified. The Urban Planning Councillor, MatÃas Ruiz, visited the site on Thursday morning with the municipal archaeologist and a council architect to assess the condition of the protected monument.
The inspection found that the سقوط of a palm tree crown against the tower caused a significant crack in the structure. Other conservation issues were also noted, including inappropriate added elements at the top of the tower that do not form part of its original design. The council has said these must be removed to restore the monument’s historic appearance.
The tower, around 18 metres high and 12 metres in diameter, stands about 20 metres above sea level on Cabo Roig. It has been listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1995, with its surrounding area protected since 1998. Owners are legally responsible for its upkeep and must fund the repairs, although the council has offered guidance on possible grants.
Councillor Ruiz said the owners have shown a willingness to cooperate. However, he warned that failure to meet their obligations could lead to legal consequences, including expropriation to ensure the monument’s preservation. The council hopes that, once restored, the tower could become a visitable heritage site similar to other coastal watchtowers in the province.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.