Torre Badum: history, mystery and landscapes in Peñíscol
If you visit Peñíscola, there is one place well worth discovering beyond its famous castle: Torre Badum. Located in the Serra d’Irta, perched above an impressive cliff, this ancient watchtower combines history, nature and spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Where is Torre Badum?
Torre Badum is located in the Serra d’Irta, near Peñíscola, on top of an impressive cliff around 97 metres high. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline.
How do you get there?
You can reach Torre Badum by car or bicycle from Peñíscola, or on foot via the hiking trails along the coast.
Here is a link to the page about the route on the wikiloc: Peñíscola-Torre Badum
A little history
Torre Badum is believed to have Muslim origins and its former name, Almadum, is thought to come from Arabic. Later, in the 16th century, it was restored and used as a watchtower to protect the coastline from pirate attacks.
An inscription on the tower bears the date 1554, alongside the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Valencia from the reign of Charles I.
What was it used for?
Its main purpose was to watch over the sea. Lookouts kept an eye on the horizon and, if they spotted suspicious ships, they alerted other towers and the local population using smoke signals.
What is the tower like?
Torre Badum has a circular, truncated-cone shape. It is around 11 metres high and is built from stone masonry.
One of its most unusual features is that it has no entrance at ground level. The doorway is around six metres above the ground, making it much more difficult for pirates to gain access.
On the western façade, you can see the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Valencia alongside the imperial double-headed eagle from the reign of Charles I. This feature was added during one of the tower’s restorations.
Today, Torre Badum has been listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), or Asset of Cultural Interest, since 1985.
Nature and hiking
The tower is surrounded by the Serra d’Irta Natural Park, an area of cliffs, coves and coastal trails. Nearby is Pebret Beach, a perfect place to enjoy the scenery after a walk or hiking route.
Why visit Torre Badum?
Torre Badum is much more than an old stone building. It is a reminder of Peñíscola’s defensive history and a place where heritage, sea and nature come together.
Although visitors cannot currently enter the tower, it is well worth coming here to discover this historic defensive structure and enjoy the scenery along the Peñíscola coastline.
If you ever visit Peñíscola, a trip to Torre Badum is a great way to discover a lesser-known side of the town and enjoy one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Serra d’Irta.
Don’t miss the chance to visit this Site of Cultural Interest in Peñíscola!