Alcalá del Júcar Castle

Alcalá del Júcar Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a rocky spur above the Júcar River gorge, featuring three floors with a pentagonal fortified tower and two circular towers. The structure uses the steep topography to enhance its natural defensive strength.

The fortress was built in the 12th century by Almohad rulers and changed hands between Muslim and Christian forces multiple times before its final capture in 1213. These shifts left architectural layers that remain visible in the structure today.

The fortress displays Islamic building techniques in its defensive structures, with the natural rock formation serving as an integral part of the design.

The castle is accessible year-round, with guided tours available to explain the different construction phases and defensive strategies. The steep location above the gorge requires sturdy footwear, and visitors should expect stairs and uneven terrain throughout.

The fortress received international recognition in 1986 for its lighting design, ranking third globally after the Eiffel Tower and Istanbul's Suleiman Mosque. This artistic illumination transforms the monument into an entirely different sight after sunset.