Restoration of the Calendura Tower in Elche thanks to the DRY 50 membrane from Revestech

The city of Elche is home to countless historical treasures, and among them stands out the Torre de Calendura, a symbol of the old medieval wall. Recently, a restoration process was carried out on this structure with the aim of preserving its integrity and ensuring its longevity. Although it was a modest intervention, the local impact was significant due to the symbolic value of the tower and the automaton clock it houses.

Deterioration and Need for Restoration

Over the centuries, the upper cornices of the tower, made from low-quality stone, had been severely affected by moisture and poor water drainage, leading to their progressive deterioration. Faced with this situation, a restoration became essential to stabilize the structure and prevent further damage.

Restoration Process

The intervention on the tower followed a detailed action plan, which included the following steps:

1. Replacement, cleaning, and consolidation of the deteriorated cornices
2. Biocide treatment of the surfaces to eliminate microorganisms and prevent future damage
3. Formation of slopes to improve water drainage
4. Waterproofing with materials that guarantee protection against moisture, in this case, using the DRY 50 membrane from Revestech
5. Final coating with lime mortar, ensuring aesthetic and structural continuity of the dome

Thanks to the use of the DRY 50 membrane, it was possible to maintain minimal thicknesses, allowing direct mortar application without compromising stability. In addition, the risk of horizontal cracks was minimized through precise overlap, ensuring effective waterproofing.

A Monument with History

One of the most unique elements of this tower is its automaton clock, featuring the figures of Calendura and Calendureta, mechanical characters that strike the bells to mark the hours. Created in 1572 by Alonso Gaytan, it is the only active automaton clock in the Valencian Community and one of the few in Spain.

Preserving History for the Future

The restoration of the Calendura Tower has not only recovered a key architectural element of Elche but also ensured that future generations can continue to enjoy its history and tradition. These types of interventions reinforce the commitment to heritage conservation, ensuring that monuments like this remain witnesses to the passage of time and the cultural identity of the city.