Castillo de la Asomada, Medieval castle in El Palmar, Spain.
Castillo de la Asomada is a fortress built from rammed earth and mortar featuring a square layout of approximately 50 meters per side. The structure was designed with ten planned towers, each reaching about 14 meters in height.
The fortress was built in the 12th century as a final project of Ibn Mardanish, who established Murcia as the capital of the Spanish Levante. The construction marked a significant moment in consolidating regional power during that period.
The fortress sits atop traces of Phoenician and Roman settlements, and its square layout reflects classical fortification traditions rather than regional building styles of its period. The design shows how earlier civilizations shaped the architectural approach taken here.
The fortress sits at about 532 meters elevation within Carrascoy Natural Park and is reached from kilometer 407 of the N-301 highway via hiking trails. The location requires some physical effort, so visitors should prepare with appropriate gear and protection from the elements.
Research based on King James I's 'Llibre dels Feyts' from 1266 suggests the fortress may have functioned as a royal mausoleum for regional emirs. This theory would give the site an important ceremonial purpose beyond simple defense.
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