A watchtower, or atalaya, is a construction in a privileged position from which to observe or analyze something. In architecture, this privileged position implies the need for openings at higher levels above the ground, which is why watchtowers are typically associated with surveillance. However, a watchtower does not need to be very tall, nor does it need to visually dominate every corner of a territory to achieve perspective—one that, indeed, goes far beyond mere surveillance.
Source: Photos – archdaily
