Barxell Castle, Medieval castle in Alcoy, Spain
Barxell Castle is a medieval fortress ruin located on a rocky hill at approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) elevation, surrounded by dense pine forest. The site consists mainly of stone walls and foundations that reveal the defensive design typical of structures built during that era.
The fortress was built in the 13th century when the region was under Islamic rule. It served as a defensive tower to monitor and control movement between the surrounding towns and mountain passages.
The castle reflects a period when the region shifted between Christian and Muslim rule, with its location showing how controlling mountain passages mattered to those in power. Today, locals and visitors see it as a reminder of this complex border history.
Visitors can reach the ruins via the CV-795 road connecting Alcoy and Banyeres de Mariola, which provides good road access to the area. The site is freely accessible, though sturdy footwear and caution around uneven stone surfaces are recommended.
From the castle ruins, visitors can see across two protected natural areas: Font Roja and Serra Mariola. This positioning unexpectedly connects medieval defensive history with the ecology of the mountain landscape.
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