Yerba Tower (Caceres)

Yerba Tower is located near the Balbos Forum in the Main Square. It is an old fortified tower, used as a defence and watchtower, and dating from the 12th century, during the reign of Muslim Spain. The tower's purpose was to defend the city, and it is considered the last major building in Caceres to be under Muslim rule.

The design of Yerba Tower protrudes forward from the fortified wall. Therefore, it is an albarrana-style tower with a simple and practical architecture of enormous dimensions.

It has a square plan built using the tapia technique (that is, pressed adobe and earth) and was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman construction.

These types of watchtowers were widely used during Muslim times due to the effectiveness of their defence against frontal attacks. If the enemy could climb to the top, they would be far enough from the defensive wall to prevent their entry into the city. The only access point was a drawbridge connected to an independent wall.

Based on its shape and location, Yerba Tower was likely built at the last moment, probably added to the wall as a result of the incessant attacks by Christian troops during the reconquest. Therefore, its finish is rougher than that of similar watchtowers.