Calatrava la Vieja, Medieval castle and archaeological site in Carrión de Calatrava, Spain.
Calatrava la Vieja is a medieval castle ruin with roughly 1500 meters of walls punctuated by 44 square towers. The site divides into two main zones: the residential quarter and the palace complex with its distinctive design.
The fortress began in the 8th century as an Arab stronghold and came under the control of the Knights of Calatrava in 1158. The order abandoned the site in 1217, leaving it to decay into ruins.
The name comes from an Arab fortress and points to the long history of warrior monks who shaped this place. Visitors can still see traces of these religious military orders in the ruins and foundations today.
The ruins sit along Nacional 420 road between Ciudad Real and Carrión de Calatrava and are freely accessible to walk around. Guided tours can be arranged by calling ahead, which helps explain the complex layout of the structures.
The fortress uses the Guadiana River as a natural defense line on its north side, reinforced by an artificial ditch that drops up to ten meters deep. This combination shows how builders cleverly merged natural features with engineering to create multiple barriers.
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