During the 16th century, the Valencian coast was the most dangerous frontier in the kingdom due to the frequent attacks by Barbary corsairs. Because of this, Phillip II promoted a centralized defence system made of watchtowers along the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. The towers, known in that period of time as “atalayas”, were built upon strategic emplacements to protect ports, coastal towns, rivers and lagoons where the enemy could resupply water. The Bombarda watchtower is located on a strategic place for looking over the bay and the sierra´s cliffs. When sighting enemy ships, soldiers positioned at the tower would warn Altea castle by lighting a bonfire so they could prepare their defences and send two guards to the nearest watchtowers (the ones in Cap Negret, Altea, and Caletes (Benidorm) to raise the alarm.
The Bombarda watchtower is a historical building, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, located on the northern tip of Serra Gelada and 111 metres above sea level, inside a natural protected park. It can be reached by following the path to the lighthouse, Serra Gelada Natural Park´s red route, one of the most spectacular landscapes of Alicante´s coast.
Due to the building´s poor condition, l´Alfàs del Pi Town Hall carried out an archaeological and restorative intervention between November 2011 and January 2012. This process revealed the floor, determined the shape and dimensions of the building and simultaneously allowed to consolidate the preserved parameters.
In 2013 it was declared a Blue Centre, symbol of quality, good management and excellence
