Castellote Castle, Medieval castle in Castellote, Spain
Castellote Castle is a medieval stone fortress situated on a hilltop with surviving wall sections and towers that reveal the defensive architecture of its era. An interpretation center housed in the original watchtower displays exhibits about Templar life, medieval artifacts, and historical records from the period.
The Knights Templar controlled this strategic stronghold from the late 12th century until 1312, when their order was dissolved following persecution by King Jaime II. This period shaped the fortress and established its lasting connection to the Templar legacy.
The fortress serves as the centerpiece of the annual Villa Templaria festival, where the town recreates medieval life through markets, demonstrations, and historical reenactments for visitors. Local traditions connected to the Knights Templar remain woven into the community's identity and celebrations.
The fortress sits atop a hill and requires climbing to reach the ruins and interpretation center. Plan your visit for cooler months outside peak summer heat, and wear suitable footwear for the steep ascent.
Artillery bombardment during the 19th-century Carlist Wars caused substantial damage that left the fortress with distinctive scarring and required modern reinforcement of its vertical structures. This later destruction and subsequent restoration adds a second historical chapter to the site.
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