It was commissioned by the municipal government of Torroella de Montgrí to secure the coastline against Ottoman and Barbary pirate incursions.
The tower's original access point was located on the first floor and required a removable wooden ladder to prevent intruders from gaining entry.
It is part of a larger, interconnected network of signaling towers that relied on fire and smoke signals to alert inland settlements.
The masonry incorporates local stone types commonly found in the surrounding limestone headlands of the Cap de Creus area.
Despite its age, the exterior structure retains its original cylindrical silhouette without the common architectural modifications seen in other regional towers.
Torre de Montgó is a 16th-century defensive watchtower located on the Montgó headland in L'Escala, Girona. Constructed in 1567, the tower served as a critical early-warning system against frequent pirate raids from North Africa. It features a circular design built with stone and lime mortar, characteristic of the coastal watchtowers of the Empordà region. The structure stands at an elevation that allows for clear visual communication with the Torre de la Salpatx in the south and the medieval walls of nearby coastal villages. Its thick walls and elevated entrance were designed specifically to prevent entry by marauding corsairs. Today, it stands as a protected cultural heritage site integrated into the landscape of the Montgó massif. The tower remains a prominent landmark overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Roses.
The elevated vantage point from the coastal path directly north of the tower, capturing both the structure and the Mediterranean horizon.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain surrounding the tower is rocky and uneven.
Combine your visit with a walk along the coastal paths of the Montgó massif for broader panoramic views.
Bring binoculars to identify the distant signaling towers along the Costa Brava coastline.
Do not attempt to climb the exterior walls, as the masonry is fragile and protected as a historical site.
