Castle of Blanca, castillo en España
The Castle of Blanca is a fortress that stands on a hill near the town of Blanca in Spain. Three towers and two walls made of rough stone and mortar remain from the original 11th-century structure, showing clear signs of age but still holding their form.
The fortress was built in the 11th century during Muslim rule, likely ordered by leader Muhammad ibn Mardanis, to watch the valleys and control trade routes. After Christian conquest in 1281, the Order of Santiago took control, but it fell into decline after 1609 when Muslim populations were expelled from the region.
The name Blanca reflects the region's shifting history between Muslim and Christian rulers. Today, the townspeople regard the ruins as part of their local heritage, connecting them to centuries when the fortress protected the valley and served as a symbol of authority over the land.
The site sits on a hill outside town and is reachable on foot, with good views of the surrounding countryside. Informational signs at the location help visitors understand the ruins and their historical importance.
In 1448 the fortress was besieged and captured during a conflict between two nobles, largely because defenders inside ran out of water and could not hold out any longer. This event shows how everyday challenges like water supply sometimes mattered more than wall strength in deciding the outcome of sieges.
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