Castle of Alcalá la Vieja, Alcalá de Henares, Medieval castle ruins on hilltop in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
The Castle of Alcalá la Vieja is a medieval fortress ruin positioned on a hilltop overlooking the Henares River valley. Its remaining stonework includes defensive towers and wall sections that reveal the structure's original military layout.
Muslim rulers built this strategic stronghold in the 10th century to control the Henares River valley. Christian forces conquered it in 1118, marking a major shift in control of the region.
The fortress reflects the Islamic period of Spanish history, when the settlement was called Qal'at'Abd al-Salam before becoming Alcalá de Henares. Walking through the ruins, you can sense how this name and structure shaped the community's identity.
You can reach the archaeological site via marked hiking trails that climb to the hilltop. Information panels at the ruins explain the different sections of the fortification as you explore.
Archaeological digs at the site have uncovered medieval pottery, weapons, and architectural pieces. These findings show how people lived inside the fortress and what they used in everyday life.
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