Torre del Conde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torre del Conde(Count's Tower) |
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| Location | San Sebastián de La Gomera, Spain |
| Built | 1447 - 1450 |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
| Official name: Torre del Conde | |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 13 December 1990 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0006884 |
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The Torre del Conde (which means Count's Tower) is a very old fortress. It was built in the 15th century. You can find it in the town of San Sebastián de La Gomera. This town is on one of the Canary Islands in Spain.
This building was made for military purposes. It showed the power of the local lord, or "count." It was also a safe place because the native people did not have modern weapons. Its location near the port, but not too close, also helped protect it.
Contents
What is the Torre del Conde?
The Torre del Conde is a strong, old tower. It was built between the years 1447 and 1450. The count of La Gomera, Hernan Peraza the Elder, ordered it to be built.
During a big event called the Rebellion of the Gomeros, important people from La Gomera hid inside this tower. It might have been the main part of a larger group of smaller forts at that time.
A Unique Medieval Tower
Many towers were built when the Conquest of the Canary Islands happened. But the Torre del Conde is the only one still standing today. It is built in a style called late Gothic architecture.
The tower has a square shape. It stands 15 meters (about 49 feet) tall. Its base measures about 40 meters (about 131 feet) around. The walls are very thick, about two meters (over 6 feet) wide!
The tower is painted white. It has red stone blocks on its corners. It is special because it is the southernmost medieval Gothic building we know about.
Famous Visitors and Its History
The Torre del Conde has been changed and fixed up a few times. People like Jacome Pelearo Fratin and Leonardo Torriani helped with these changes.
Some very famous people have visited this tower. These include Christopher Columbus, who explored America. Amerigo Vespucci, who also explored and gave his name to America, visited too. Even Hernán Cortés, a famous Spanish conqueror, was a guest here.
Protecting This Important Landmark
The Torre del Conde is a very important historical building. It was named a Historic-Artistic Monument on December 13, 1990. Later, on July 2, 1993, it was also declared a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means it is an "Asset of Cultural Interest" and is protected by law.
See also
In Spanish: Torre del Conde (Canarias) para niños
