Castalla, municipality of Spain
Castalla is a municipality in the Alcoià region of Spain built around a fortress perched on a hillside. The settlement spreads from the castle on the hilltop down the slopes and is defined by historical walls and fortifications.
People first settled in this area during the Bronze Age around 2000 BC and later during Iberian and Roman times. In the early medieval period, Muslims built a fortress on the hill as part of the Taifa of Denia, which was peacefully taken over by the Crown of Aragon around 1244.
The name Castalla comes from the Arabic word hiṣn Castalla, rooted in the fortress culture of medieval times. The church and fortifications visible today reflect the layers of settlement and governance that shaped the place over many centuries.
The place is best explored on foot, though climbing to the fortress on the hillside can be steep in places. The paths wind through historic lanes and are sometimes narrow, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
The Torre Grossa, a tall tower built in the 1500s, is one of the best-preserved features of the castle and still dominates the hilltop profile today. Inside the fortress grounds lies an ancient cistern that shows how residents managed their water supply, alongside remains of Arabic rooms from the 1100s and 1200s.
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