Castillo de Matrera, Medieval castle in Villamartín, Spain
Castillo de Matrera is a medieval fortress on Mount Pajarete near Villamartín, enclosed by a substantial fortified wall that frames a central courtyard. Two gateway entrances with flanking defensive towers control access to the structure.
The fortress was built in the 9th century by Omar Ibn Hafsún as protection for the nearby Roman city of Iptuci. It changed hands multiple times over subsequent centuries and served as a key site in territorial conflicts throughout the region.
The fortress displays both Moorish and Christian building techniques layered across its structure, reflecting different periods of occupation. Visitors notice these architectural phases while walking through the site.
The site sits on a hillside with good views of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to approach from multiple directions. Sturdy footwear is advisable and visitors should budget time to explore the outer walls and terrain thoroughly.
The site received national monument status in 1949 and heritage designation in 1985, but major restoration did not occur until 2016. The restoration applied modern techniques to preserve the original form while keeping local building materials, attracting attention from international preservation specialists.
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