Name and Location

The Torre de Portopí, also known as the Far de Portopí or Torre de Senyals de Portopí, is a medieval signal tower located on the western approach to Palma's harbour in Mallorca, Spain. Its official address is Carretera Arsenal 3E (Ctra. Arsenal), Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Construction and History

The Torre de Portopí was erected in the late 13th century as a coastal watch-tower to warn of pirate raids and guide vessels toward Palma's harbour using fire and smoke signals. It is one of Mallorca's oldest surviving maritime watch-towers and has been recognized as a protected historic monument since its inception.

Architecture and Materials

The tower stands at a height of 38 meters from base to parapet, constructed from local sandstone masonry with rough-cut blocks and lime mortar. The architecture style is medieval military, featuring a simple rectangular plan with four interior levels connected by a spiral stone staircase. The battlemented parapet has crenellations, while narrow slit windows (arrow-loops) are situated on each face.

Light and Navigation

Although the tower once functioned as an unofficial lighthouse ("Far") until the 19th century, it no longer serves as a navigational aid today. There is currently no light exhibited from the historic structure.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Torre de Portopí is open to the public at all hours for external access only. Visitors can walk around the base and ascend the adjoining quay for panoramic views of Palma Bay, Bellver Castle, and the port breakwater.

Notable Views and Landscape

From its vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Palma Bay, Bellver Castle to the east, and the port breakwater to the south. Nearby attractions include Bellver Castle (1.5 km east), Cala Major beach (800 m west), and Palma Aquarium (3 km southwest).

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, the tower's last medieval keeper lit false signals during a pirate panic, causing a brief evacuation of Palma's waterfront. Tradition also claims that the tower bell, long since removed, was cast from the bells of a captured corsair ship.

Technical and Operational Details

There are no installations on the historic tower for AIS/Radar purposes, nor is it charted in IALA Region A under "Portopí Tower" today.

Further Information

For further reading, refer to "Far de Portopí" on ca:Wikipedia, Consell de Mallorca's Inventari del Patrimoni Històric entry "Torre de Portopí", and Josep M. Mir's book "Les torres de defensa de Mallorca".