Text by: Little Traveler
I usually get skeptical whenever I see titles like “Instagram hotspot” or “hidden gem”—feels like just another clickbait gimmick. But this time, when I saw this “fortress” perched on a cliff in the coastal Spanish town of Calpe, I was instantly smitten. Turns out this "La Muralla Roja" was co-designed and built in 1968 by the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. To make it truly people-centered, they even consulted intellectuals from various fields—like musicians, sociologists, and filmmakers—for their input.
At first glance, the building looks like an avant-garde fortress, but its interior structure is incredibly complex. Even more surprisingly, this maze-like design isn’t a tourist attraction—it’s actually a residential complex. La Muralla Roja means “Red Wall” in Spanish. Amid its irregular geometric layout, you’ll find that it’s designed around a Greek cross shape, extending outward into three layers, with 50 housing units connected by staircases, bridges, and platforms. The area also features a rooftop pool, terraces for sunbathing, and other perks—truly a taste of Mediterranean living at its most luxurious.
Beyond its unique architectural design, the building also boasts vibrant colors. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the pink exterior walls aren’t all the same shade, adding both visual depth and freshness. Standing by the high walls and looking out over the sea from above is nothing short of majestic. Inside, the color scheme flips to blue tones, which contrast with the reds and create a harmonious connection with the sea view.
La Muralla Roja
Location: Partida manzana spain calpe
Spanish brand Delpozo shot a fashion short film at La Muralla Roja~~~
https://vimeo.com/137125679
Image sources: benibooo@ig, bofillarquitectura@ig, innmirdj@ig, juliajune_official@ig, Ricardo Bofill
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