Mola Castle, Medieval fortress on Monte de la Mola, Novelda, Spain.
Mola Castle is a medieval fortress on a hilltop near Novelda with thick defensive walls arranged in a polygonal shape. Inside stands a square tower made from rammed earth that was built without any windows.
The fortress was built in the 12th century under Almohad rule on the ruins of a Roman fortification. Later it was conquered by Alfonso X of Castile.
The fortress shows building features from both Islamic and Christian traditions that you can still see in its walls today. This mixture reflects the different rulers who shaped the structure across the centuries.
Access is by foot up the hillside, which requires moderate physical effort to reach the top. Bring water and sturdy shoes since the path is uneven and can be tiring in sunny weather.
A triangular tower from the 14th century shows early features of Catalan civic and military architecture that are rare to see in this region. This tower stands out from the older structures and hints at how fortification techniques changed over time.
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