Looking at such enthralling buildings makes it hard to imagine that they were created in any situation that was less than perfect. As we toured Córdoba today, we learned about some of the countless ancient structures that are located here. One location that has haunted my mind (rightfully so) is called “Torre de la Malmuerta,” which translates to “Tower of the Wrongly Killed.” This ancient watch tower was built in the early 1400s by order of the first mayor of Córdoba. Now here’s where the story gets good, so grab some popcorn and sit tight.

This is a legend based on actual events, which took place in Córdoba. As the story goes, two lovers (Beatriz Hinestrosa and Fernando Alfonso de Córdoba) were married under the bridge of this tower in 1448. A few days after they were married, Jorge began to feel suspicious of his new wife. Rather than confronting her, he let his distrust fester inside. He became jealous of every man she spoke with, thinking, he must be the man with whom she is being unfaithful. These thoughts consumed him until, one rage filled night, he took his revenge. He slaughtered his new wife, along with many innocent men, in an attempt to avenge his honor. According to the Córdoban legend, he cut his wife’s body into pieces and scattered along the stairs leading up the tower. Now, what Jorge did not know was that his revenge was all in vain because his wife was not having any affair. The locals say that, if the night is quiet and the winds are still, you can still hear the sorrowful moans of Beatriz Hinestrosa coming from the tower.

Though this story could be fictitious, it does demonstrate an important fact about history: The story of how something came to be is rarely perfect, but that does not diminish its beauty.