Castillo de Hornos, Medieval fortress in Hornos, Spain
Castillo de Hornos is a fortress that stands on a rocky hill at about 867 meters elevation and features a trapezoidal enclosure with a square tower topped by rounded corners. The structures display characteristics from different building phases and were constructed with local materials that blend into the mountainous landscape.
The fortress was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Order of Santiago, yet it rose from the foundations of an earlier Muslim fortification called Hisn Furnus. This makes it an example of how conquering powers adapted existing fortifications and gave them new purposes.
This fortress stands as a symbol of long coexistence between different cultures in the region, where Christian and Muslim populations lived alongside each other across centuries. Visitors can still see how various building styles layer upon each other and tell the story of the area's changing rulers.
The fortress is accessible throughout the year and offers guided tours that explain the defensive systems and construction of medieval fortifications. The elevated location means visitors should be prepared for steep paths and wear appropriate footwear.
The grounds house the Cosmolarium, an astronomical center with observation facilities that take advantage of the outstanding sky views from this elevated position. This makes the site a rare blend of historical monument and working scientific observatory.
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