MILITARY ROUTE

The viscountcy of Cabrera articulated itself through a network of castles and fortified houses, which were the seats of politic and military power for the nobility in the Middle Ages. This defensive system was supplemented with a number of walled-in villages and watchtowers.

Located beside the present-day parish church, this tower is part of the ancient Palautordera Castle. This imposing structure has withstood the passage of time and is now integrated into the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria.
The original tower, with a circular floor plan and built with river stones, reflects medieval construction techniques. Its upper section was modified in later periods with the addition of two hexagonal storeys made of ashlar. Each face of this upper body features a round-arched window. The structure is crowned with a pyramidal roof featuring stepped battlements.
Documentary evidence on Palautordera Castle is scarce. The earliest historical references date from 908 and 996, in texts that mention the villa Vitaminea que vocant Palacio, indicating the existence of a fortified settlement. The name reappears in 1045. Over time, the castle lost its defensive function, and in the 16th century the present-day parish church was built, incorporating parts of the pre-existing structure.