Huercal-Overa's Nazari watchtower entered into architectural competition

THE Nazari watchtower in Huercal-Overa has been entered into the Aga Khan architectural awards. The tower, which was recently reformed, is one of 348 candidates from 69 countries.

The tower joins the Adolfo Suarez library in Ceuta as one of the Spanish entries. The architect who oversaw the rehabilitation of the tower, Luis Castillo, said that the competition was a unique opportunity for the building to gain international recognition.

Together with his partner, Mercedes Miras Varela, Castillo also worked on the project of the Hornos de Calcinacion in Lucainena de las Torres, as well as the building which now houses the photography museum in Almeria.

Tourism councillor, Monica Navarro, said that the competition was important for the town, adding that people from all over the world would get to know Huercal-Overa. The tower was built in the 13th century as a defensive look-out point and was declared a Building of Cultural Interest.

The tower is unique in that it houses a ‘tree of life’, a symbol used by Muslims in ancient times to represent the universe. The Aga Khan prize has €1 million worth of prizes which will be distributed among several entrants.