Torre del Alfiler

The Alfiler Tower is a defensive tower integrated in the old walled system of the citadel of Trujillo, in Cáceres, and today it is also associated with the Casa Fuerte de la Cadena and the interpretation center of the history of the city. It is, therefore, a heritage resource of tower-wall typology, located in the historic center, next to the Plaza Mayor and on the northern front of the monumental complex of Trujillo. Most of its construction dates from the end of the 15th century, although some sources place it as a medieval work linked to the defense of the city and others point to a somewhat broader chronology within the late Middle Ages. It has a square or rectangular floor plan and has been described as the keep of a noble palace of the Chaves-Orellana or Chaves-Cárdenas, later reused when it lost its military function. In its present appearance, the Gothic windows with alfiz, the Gothic cresting and the brick cupola or dome, topped by a metal rod that explains the name "Alfiler" (pin), stand out. Also visible are the ceramic coats of arms of the Chaves and Orellana families, made with Talavera tiles, one of the most unique features of the monument. Its patrimonial interest lies in the fact that it summarizes the historical evolution of Trujillo: from a medieval fortification to a symbolic element of the urban landscape and an exhibition center on local history. The exact location coincides with the monumental area of the city, at coordinates 39.46107, -5.88208, in Trujillo, province of Cáceres, Extremadura.