Burgalimar Castle, Moorish fortress in Baños de la Encina, Spain.
Burgalimar is a fortress with an oval shape surrounded by walls and square towers positioned at regular points. The inner courtyard contains a water tank, and the walkways along the walls allow views across the surrounding Andalusian landscape.
The fortress was built in the 10th century during the Umayyad period and later changed hands between Muslim and Christian rulers multiple times. In the early 13th century, it fell under Christian control permanently.
The fortress displays Arab building methods in how its spaces are arranged and defended, visible in the way towers and walls are positioned throughout the structure. Walking through the layout shows how people once organized this place to protect it.
You can walk along the walls and climb the towers to see views across the landscape. Wear comfortable shoes since the old stone paths and stairs can be uneven in places.
The water tank inside the courtyard is divided into two separate chambers, an uncommon feature in medieval fortresses from this period. This thoughtful design shows how carefully water supply was managed for those living within.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
