The Torre del Conde, commissioned between 1445 and 1450 by Hernán Peraza el Viejo, is one of the few medieval fortifications still preserved in the Canaries. Today, it is the most visited monument in the capital of La Gomera.
The Torre del Conde, located in the heart of San Sebastián de La Gomera, is much more than a stone construction. It is a witness to nearly six centuries of history that still stands defying time. Commissioned by Hernán Peraza el Viejo between 1445 and 1450, this Gothic-military style fortress is one of the few medieval structures that remain in the Canary archipelago.
A defensive bastion in the conquest of La Gomera
The tower was conceived as a control point and refuge for the island's lords during the processes of conquest and colonisation. In those years, confrontations between the new settlers and the indigenous inhabitants of La Gomera were constant, and the fortress served as a key defensive bastion in the island's capital.
With its thick masonry walls and square layout, the tower was prepared to withstand attacks. Its strategic location, near the coast, allowed for monitoring any threats arriving by sea, something fundamental in an era of pirate incursions and internal revolts.
The refuge of Beatriz de Bobadilla during the 1488 rebellion
One of the most dramatic episodes in the tower's history occurred in 1488, following the death of Hernán Peraza el Joven. During the uprising of the Gomeros, his widow, Beatriz de Bobadilla, took refuge in the fortress with her children and several neighbours. There, they resisted the siege until reinforcements arrived from Tenerife.
This event turned the Torre del Conde into a symbol of resistance and a key stage in the island's past. The story of that refuge has been passed down through generations, and today it is one of the tales that most attract visitors.
From gunpowder store to public park: the tower today
Over the centuries, the tower lost its military function. In the 16th century, new fortifications built on the island to defend against pirates rendered the old tower obsolete. For years, it was used as a storehouse and gunpowder depot, and underwent several restorations to prevent its deterioration.
Today, the Torre del Conde is the most visited monument in San Sebastián de La Gomera. It is surrounded by the park that bears its name, a green space where locals stroll and tourists take a break. The fortress has become a must-visit for those wanting to learn about the island's history.
The interior of the tower is open to visitors, and one can appreciate the details of a construction that has survived nearly six centuries of changes, conflicts, and transformations. From the top of its walls, the view of the capital and the ocean is breathtaking.
For the residents of La Gomera, the tower is a source of pride. “It is our oldest heritage,” comments a local while walking through the park. “When friends come from outside, the first thing we show them is the Torre del Conde.”
The fortress is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free entry for Canary residents. A perfect plan for a Saturday morning: visit the tower, stroll through the park, and then wander the cobbled streets of San Sebastián. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones are unforgiving.
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