Castillo de Medinaceli, Medieval fortress in Medinaceli, Spain.
Castillo de Medinaceli is a stone fortress on the western side of the Roman wall, featuring three round towers and a rectangular keep in the eastern corner. The exterior remains clearly visible and shows the thick masonry techniques typical of its period.
The fortress was built on the remains of an earlier Arab stronghold where the military leader Almanzor died following Alfonso VI's Christian conquest in 1070. This transformation marks a turning point in the region's control of the peninsula.
The fortress shows how Islamic and Christian building styles merged in this region, visible in its thick stone walls and tower layout. Visitors can observe this architectural blend directly when walking around the structure.
You can visit and explore the castle's exterior daily, though the underground Arab stables beneath the structure are closed to visitors. Wear good shoes as the area has uneven ground, and views of the fortress can be seen from several angles around the site.
The fortress now serves as the town's cemetery, creating an unusual blend of medieval military architecture and modern burial ground. The solid walls with large arched stones at the entrance gate give the site a distinctive and memorable appearance.
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