Castillo de los Vélez, Mula

Castillo de los Vélez is a fortress rising from a hilltop in Mula with thick stone walls and a distinctive three-story tower. The structure combines defensive features typical of the era with Renaissance architectural details that shape the town's skyline.

The Marquis of Vélez built this fortress in 1524 after a local uprising threatened his rule. He employed a false Roman inscription to circumvent royal restrictions on constructing new castles in the region.

The fortress stands as a representation of 16th century Spanish nobility power dynamics, demonstrating the methods aristocrats used to maintain control over local populations.

The fortress is not open to visitors, but its walls and tower remain visible from various spots throughout Mula. The best viewing points are from the higher areas of town, where you can also capture good photographs of the structure.

A large water cistern in the lower section of the fortress provided essential supplies during extended sieges. This underground feature reveals how sophisticated the stronghold's systems were for maintaining self-sufficiency.