Castillo de Santa Catalina, Military fortress in Tarifa, Spain
Castillo de Santa Catalina is a military fortress on a hill in Tarifa that features multiple towers of different shapes. The structure once controlled the coastal waters and offers views across the surrounding region.
The location began as an Iberian settlement and was later fortified by Romans and Arabs before Christian rulers transformed it during the Middle Ages. Each period left behind its own building methods and defensive features.
The fortress reflects Tarifa's role as a critical military lookout and shows how different peoples shaped what the building looks like today. Walking through it, you notice how each period left its mark on the walls and design.
The site is walkable and allows you to explore the fortifications and grounds, especially the viewpoints. An information center on location helps you understand the history and purpose of the castle.
The walls contain visible remains from four different historical periods, some of them stacked on top of each other. These layers show directly how conquerors built new fortifications using old structures as foundations.
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