Castillo de Azagala, Medieval fortress in Villar del Rey, Badajoz, Spain
Castillo de Azagala is a medieval fortress positioned on a narrow rocky ridge within the Santiago mountain range, featuring three defensive enclosures and multiple strategic towers. The structure took advantage of the natural terrain to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The fortress was built in the 13th century under the direction of Alvaro de Luna and Martin Gil de Sousa to defend against Muslim and Portuguese attacks. Over the following centuries, it gradually lost its military importance as political boundaries shifted and changed.
The fortress emerged from centuries of conflict between different religious powers competing for control of frontier lands in this region. Walking through the remains, one can sense how this stronghold once marked the boundary between competing territories.
The fortress is currently closed to visitors and requires substantial restoration work. You can view the structure from outside, but interior access is not permitted.
The fortress contains the Torre de los Humos, a specialized tower with vertical shafts that channeled smoke from the castle's internal chambers. This ventilation system reveals the technical knowledge that went into constructing medieval defensive strongholds.
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