Castle of Maella, château fort espagnol
The Castle of Maella is a structure built on a hilltop overlooking the town in the province of Zaragoza. It has a trapezoid shape with two main walled enclosures, thick defensive walls with semicircular towers, and a large central courtyard surrounded by stone walls that still retains some original architectural details.
The castle was founded in 1168 during the Christian reconquest and was initially controlled by the Calatrava order. In the 16th century, Miguel Pérez de Almazán, secretary to the Catholic Monarchs, expanded it by building a palace within its walls and added decorative elements. Later ownership passed to the Counts of Aranda, and the structure suffered significant damage during a fire in 1837 related to the Carlist Wars.
The castle is owned by the town council of Maella and is open to visitors at no cost, with access via a ramp on the east side. The walk is straightforward and the hilltop location provides views of the surrounding valley and the Matarraña river area.
The castle has a secret passage that once connected the wine cellars to the river, allowing residents a quick escape route during emergencies. This hidden tunnel system reflects the strategic planning of 16th-century builders and remains part of the site's intriguing history.
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