Castellet de Carrícola, Medieval castle in El Palomar, Spain
Castellet de Carrícola is a medieval castle standing on a rocky outcrop at 415 meters elevation within the Ombría del Benicadell protected natural area near Valencia. The structure consists of a rectangular tower with an attached courtyard and can be reached via hiking trails from the surrounding landscape.
Built between the 10th and 12th centuries during Islamic rule, the castle was part of a defensive network along Sierra de Benicadell. The fortification controlled important routes and access points to the Alicante region at that time.
The tower's rectangular form and courtyard layout show Islamic building methods common to medieval fortifications in this region. The masonry and plaster work reflect construction practices that were standard for defensive structures in Valencia during that era.
The restored tower interior is open to visitors who can climb to the terrace for views of the surrounding landscape. A hiking trail of about 3.5 kilometers from the western entrance of Carrícola leads up to the site.
Excavations revealed that the base of the structure measures about 10 by 5 meters with remnants of ancient battlements still visible at the upper edge. These findings give insight into the original size and defensive design of the fortification.
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