Castillo-fortaleza de los Zúñiga, Medieval fortress in Cartaya, Spain
The Castillo-fortaleza de los Zúñiga is a rectangular fortified structure in Cartaya with seven square towers positioned at strategic points. The walls rise over eight meters high and were constructed to control access routes to the settlement.
Pedro de Zúñiga commissioned the construction between 1417 and 1420 to defend the region against attacks from Berber and Norman pirates. The fortress was part of a defensive system designed to protect the coastal area during a period of significant maritime threats.
The fortress displays moorish influences in its design, particularly visible in the entrance gate with its characteristic geometric forms. Visitors can still observe these cultural layers reflected in the architecture today.
The monument is located on Arenal Street and is easily accessible on foot. Since the walls are exposed, visiting during daylight with good visibility is recommended for a complete view of the entire structure.
The fortress was converted into a cemetery during the 1800s and served the community for burials over many decades. This unusual transformation reveals how military structures can be repurposed entirely as societal needs evolve.
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