The River Tower

The River Tower (Viver): An Almohad vestige

Location and historical context
La Torre del Río stands on a strategic promontory on the left bank of the river Palancia, offering exceptional panoramic views of the valley and the town of Viver, located barely 1.5 km away. This defensive watchtower, built in the 12th century during the Almohad period, formed part of a network of towers linked to the castles of Jérica and Gaibiel, designed to protect the Muslim farmhouses against the Christian advance.

A pioneering recovery project
Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, the tower stands out for its unique conservation: it maintains its circular floor plan intact (6 m in diameter) and a large part of its original elevation (6.9 m high), built with irregular masonry and lime mortar. In 2021, the Viver Town Council, with the support of the Generalitat Valenciana, promoted an archaeological project directed by Manuel Molina Garel. The work included:

Excavation and architectural study that revealed its internal structure (four floors with staggered floor slabs).

Consolidation of cracks and masonry to guarantee its stability.

Discovery of Almohad ceramics (12th-13th centuries) that corroborate its historical use.

New interventions for public visits
In 2022, a second phase of funding allowed:

Documenting annexed structures (perimeter walls with ashlar access).
To begin adaptation works, including a partial screed and an access staircase for future visits to the interior.

Find out about the details of the first phase of restoration in this documentary video.

A journey back to the Middle Ages amidst landscapes and stones that stand the test of time.