Castillo de Aznalmara, Medieval fortress in Benaocaz, Spain
Castillo de Aznalmara is a medieval fortress situated on a hillside above the Tavizna River, featuring thick defensive walls, square towers, and two stone cisterns. The ruins display the typical construction style of an Andalusian border stronghold.
The fortress was built in the 13th century during the Nasrid period and remained a contested strongpoint between Muslim and Christian rulers for generations. It finally fell to the Marquis of Cadiz in 1485.
The ruins once served as a strongpoint in a broader defensive line that shaped life in this mountainous region for centuries. This function still influences how people in the area understand their local history.
The ruins are accessible from the Ubrique-El Bosque road and can be reached without special gear, though the uneven terrain requires careful footing. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for a substantial walk to reach the site.
A pentagonal tower added by French troops during the Independence War sets this fortress apart from other medieval structures in the area. This unexpected addition shows how later conflicts left their mark on the ancient stronghold.
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