Torre del Homenaje del antiguo castillo, Medieval defense tower in Mengíbar, Spain.
Torre del Homenaje is a square stone tower standing about 25 meters tall and represents the last surviving structure of the medieval castle that once fortified Mengíbar. Its interior contains several vaulted chambers stacked vertically, along with a water cistern built into the structure for storage and survival during sieges.
Built during the 13th century, this tower formed the main stronghold of a castle designed to protect the growing settlement of Mengíbar. Most of the surrounding fortification gradually disappeared over the following centuries, leaving only this tower standing as evidence of the medieval defense system.
This tower served as a key defensive structure in medieval times, and its thick walls and internal layout reveal how these fortifications protected settlements. Visitors can see firsthand how medieval communities built their defenses into solid stone.
Visitors can explore the interior by climbing through multiple levels connected by staircases carved directly into the thick stone walls. The passages are narrow and the stairs steep, so comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness help make the climb easier.
The first floor holds four large ceramic storage jars set into the ground, each about 1.2 meters deep, that once held grain and liquids for the tower's occupants. These well-preserved vessels offer a direct glimpse into how people managed daily supplies during medieval times.
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