The central tower of the highest part of the wall, constructed in the 16th century was re-erected in the 18th century and fitted out as an esconjuradero.

These were simple stone constructions that were common in the region, where there was an abject terror of storms. The buildings were usually at the top of a hill or mountain, almost always close to a church or chapel and had openings facing the four cardinal points. Their only function was as a place to “conjure away” storms that closed in on the village.

It was believed that these were caused by witches and there is testimony from people who have seen them fly on clouds as if directing them. It is said that inside every hail stone there is a witch’s hair. In records from the inquisition, the witch, Dominica la Coja, confessed to having conjured up a great hail storm, dancing, singing and urinating on the soil then snatching up the mud and launching it towards the sky.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the collegiate church had esconjuraderes, people who blessed the villages on a daily basis and kept clouds and storms at bay by ringing the bells in an appeal to Santa Barbara.
 

 

  • Alquezar. Esconjuradero 2
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  • Alquezar. Esconjuradero