FORTALEZA DE TOSTÓN

The history of the fortresses, or defensive towers, of the Canary Islands goes back to the 15th century, when the conquistadores invaded the island, under the orders of the Crown of Castile. They became bastions of defence against attacks. After the conquest, El Cotillo became a very important port for the trade of cereals, orchilla (a plant used for dyeing) and cattle. John of Bethencourt built the fortress of Rico Roque during the first years of colonization, a fortification that protected the ships anchored in the port from attacks by Berber, French and British pirates. The present tower was erected on the ruins of the first one in 1700 and was named Our Lady of Pilar and San Miguel. It was built with stones from a quarry near the hermitage of El Cotillo. It is round in shape and has a drawbridge, and to the left of the entrance you can go down to the ammunition depot. Three cannons defended the coast and a garrison of twelve men could stay there. In 1949, it was declared a monument of cultural interest and became a heritage reference of the island of Fuerteventura. Today, it regularly hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, introducing Canarian artists and also serves as an information point on the village. It is also an excellent viewpoint on the very large sandy beaches of El Cotillo. Further on in the plain, you will see a small mill, typical of Fuerteventura.