Castillo de Olmos, El Viso de San Juan, Medieval fortress in El Viso de San Juan, Spain
Castillo de Olmos is a medieval fortress in El Viso de San Juan featuring a standing tower with thick stone walls. The structure displays a blend of construction methods from different periods, reflecting its complex past under various rulers.
The fortress was built between the 8th and 9th centuries by Arab builders and later captured by King Alfonso VI in 1074. This conquest marked its incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile.
The fortress stands as an example of medieval Christian military architecture, incorporating both Islamic and Christian construction techniques in its remaining structures.
The site is freely accessible year-round, but visitors should come prepared for significant deterioration. Sturdy footwear is recommended when walking through the ruins.
Beneath the main tower sits a rectangular water cistern with barrel vaulting that displays Islamic architectural features. This underground system reveals how medieval builders solved the challenge of water storage in an arid region.
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