glendalough round tower ireland

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This is a picture of the Round Tower at Glendalough. The round tower of Glendalough is considered by many to be the most finely constructed and beautiful tower in Ireland. Situated in a thickly forested valley, the 30 meter tall tower is built of mica schist with a granite doorway. The conical roof was rebuilt in 1876 using stones found inside. The tower is divided internally into seven stories by timber floors, connected by ladders. The four stories above entrance level are each lit by a small window; while the top story has four windows facing the cardinal compass points. In medieval Ireland, round towers served as beacon/landmarks to guide pilgrims from afar, bell towers, storehouses, lookouts, and places of refuge in times of attack. The door is about 3.5 meters from the ground, which is commonly believed to be a defensive practice with refuge seekers raising the ladder from within. It is still in near perfect condition even though it is almost 1,000 years old.