Castillo, Medieval castle in Lopera, Spain
Castillo is a medieval castle in Lopera featuring five defense towers within its outer walls and two internal towers named San Miguel and Santa Maria. The fortress spans across a substantial area with multiple defensive structures integrated throughout.
The fortress was granted to the Military Order of Calatrava in 1242 by King Ferdinand III following the Christian conquest of the region from Muslim control. The structure then served the order and underwent various uses over subsequent centuries.
The castle houses a museum displaying the history of the Calatrava Order, a pivotal battle, and its use as a wine cellar during the 20th century. Visitors can observe the different phases the structure experienced across time.
The site is accessible on most days, with paths through the grounds offering different routes to explore the fortress. Sturdy footwear is recommended and visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain, as this is an ancient defensive structure.
The Santa Maria tower contains a Gothic chapel with Renaissance decorations, revealing how architectural styles evolved within the structure over centuries. This blend of styles remains visually distinct today and tells a story of its changing uses.
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