In the 18th century, due to the constant incursions of Berber pirates who captured the island dwellers, at times even selling them as slaves in the African markets, the Spanish crown ordered a network of defences to be built around the island. These towers were armed with cannons and all were equipped with watchmen who would warn the people if the enemy approached, giving them time to take refuge in the churches or in one of the dozens of towers scattered inland from the coast.
The en Rovira tower is the tallest and the widest and was built in 1763 to defend the Portmany Bay. It makes an exceptional watch tower for the western islets as it is situated between Cala Bassa and Platges de Comte, facing the island of sa Conillera. It was at one time equipped with two canons, and two watchmen or torreros were set to guard it permanently.
Although there is an entrance on the ground floor, at the time it could only be accessed through a door on the second floor, which was reached by a wooden ladder that was conveniently removed should the enemy be spied. Water, wood, gunpowder and supplies were stored below, while upstairs in a vaulted chamber lived the watchmen. The lookout was on the roof terrace where the artillery was also kept, and the different floors communicated by means of a spiral staircase set against the wall.
The tower remained operational until 1867 when enemy pirates were no longer a threat. Today it is privately owned and is in an excellent state of preservation.
