Vela Tower - Alcassaba - Alhambra de Granada

The floor plan of the Torre de la Vela measures 16 meters on each side and 26.80 meters in height . The base is massive and has four floors with arches supported by columns.

This tower was used as a residence for a period of time, so its appearance has changed from its original appearance . The ground floor had battlements until the 16th century. The current location of the clock on the west facade dates from 1840 and had to be rebuilt after a lightning strike in 1882.

The clock is the main feature of this tower. In the past, its sound served as a night bell for the farmers of La Vega to irrigate their fields . It started ringing between 8 and 9:30am and rang at different intervals and with different charges until 3 or 4am depending on the time of year. This bell was also used to call the citizens of Granada in case of danger. Today is January 2nd every year when the Torre de la Vela and its clock regain the importance they once had. To commemorate the date the Catholic Monarchs took Granada , there is a tradition that all unmarried girls in the city who ring the bell on January 2 each year are married before the end of the year.

The view from the tower is fantastic as you have a panoramic view of the city, the Sierra Nevada, the Vega and the surrounding villages all in one place.

Willem Vandenameele