Castle of Alarcos, Medieval fortress in Ciudad Real, Spain
Castle of Alarcos is a medieval fortress built on a quartzite hill near the Guadiana River in central Spain, standing at about 685 meters (2,247 feet) above sea level. The ruins include both Muslim defensive walls from the Arabic period and remains from the Christian medieval era.
The fortress was built under King Alfonso VII in the 12th century and fell to Almohad forces in 1195, then was recaptured by Christians in the early 13th century. This cycle of changing hands shaped how the fortification developed over time.
The site shows layers of settlement from Bronze Age communities through Iberian villages to Muslim and Christian periods, all visible in the ruins today. Walking through these remains helps you understand how different peoples were drawn to the same hilltop location over centuries.
Visit requires advance reservations, and the site is open Thursday through Sunday with varying hours depending on the season. Book ahead and check the seasonal schedule to avoid arriving when it is closed.
The fortress offers sweeping views across the Campo de Calatrava region, which is known for its volcanic landscape. From this elevated vantage point, defenders once monitored army movements across vast distances.
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