Castle of Ruesta, Medieval fortress in Urriés, Spain.
Castle of Ruesta is a medieval stone fortress positioned high above the Aragon River valley, surrounded by thick defensive walls and watchtowers at its perimeter. The structure sits at a commanding height that allows wide views across the surrounding landscape.
The fortress was built in the 9th century as an Islamic stronghold before being taken during the Christian reconquest led by Sancho Garcés I in the 10th century. This transition marked a shift in regional control.
The fortress displays construction methods from both Islamic and Christian periods in its surviving walls and towers. Visitors notice how these different building styles were layered together over the centuries in the stone structures.
Access to the ruins is through a marked path from the abandoned village of Ruesta, which serves as a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Wear sturdy footwear and allow time for the climb, as the path is uneven and requires careful footing.
The ruins remain the sole structure dominating the landscape after the village below was flooded by the Yesa reservoir in 1959. The fortress stands as a solitary reminder of the former settlement that now lies beneath the water.
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