Castell de Vilafamés, Medieval castle in Vilafamés, Spain
Castell de Vilafamés is a medieval stone fortress that rises above the town of the same name on a hillside location. The complex features substantial defensive walls, a prominent round tower at its center, and multiple structures arranged within its boundaries.
The fortress began as an Islamic stronghold known as Beni-Hamez before King James I conquered it in 1233. During the 19th-century Carlist Wars, it underwent significant structural changes and additions to its defenses.
The fortress displays layers of different faiths and peoples in its stones and structures. Visitors can observe how Roman, Muslim, and Christian construction methods and designs sit alongside one another throughout the site.
Access to the fortress is by foot via a pathway that climbs from the town up to the site. The routes are uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable, especially during wet conditions.
The central round tower was built during the 19th-century Carlist Wars and stands as one of the few examples of architecture from that turbulent period in this region. This tower looks noticeably different from the older fortifications surrounding it, showing how the fortress adapted over time.
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