Castle of Castalla, Medieval fortress in Castalla, Spain
Castalla Castle is a medieval fortress sitting on a hilltop at 900 meters above the surrounding landscape. The structure shows cylindrical towers with crenellations, stone walls, and a prominent Torre Grossa tower, along with visible remains of residential spaces that were used across different periods.
The fortress began as an Arab stronghold and was captured by James I of Aragon from the Moors in 1244, marking the region's shift to Christian rule. Over subsequent centuries, it was expanded and rebuilt several times, blending Arab and Christian building methods.
The castle serves as a local landmark that reflects how people once organized life on mountaintops for safety and survival. The mix of Arab and Christian structures visible today shows the cultural layers that shaped this region over centuries.
Marked trails lead visitors to the entrance where you can explore the preserved walls and towers at your own pace. The hilltop location means you will need to walk uphill, so wear proper shoes and plan enough time to enjoy the views and structures.
Inside the fortress you can find an Arab cistern system from the 12th century that reveals how inhabitants managed water supply on this elevated site. Equally noteworthy is a noble residence built between the 14th and 15th centuries that was later incorporated into the castle's layout.
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