Castillo de Oreja, Medieval castle on a hilltop in Ontígola, Spain.
Castillo de Oreja is a medieval fortress on a steep hillside near Ontígola, built with a rectangular main tower and surrounding defensive walls. The structure displays circular openings for arrows and traces of wooden fortification elements that once protected the site.
The castle changed control between Muslim and Christian rulers for centuries until Alfonso VII captured it in 1139 after a lengthy siege. This conquest established Christian rule in the region and brought new administrative systems to the area.
The site was once a Roman settlement that later served as a strategic center under different rulers. Today visitors can still sense the layered history through the ruins and their positioning on the landscape.
Access to the castle is through hiking paths from either Ontígola or Noblejas, and sturdy footwear is needed for the steep rocky climb to reach the ruins. Set aside enough time for a slow approach, as the terrain is uneven and can be slippery in places.
Former residents of the abandoned settlement gather each August 15th to maintain their connection to this historical location. This annual reunion reveals how deep the emotional ties remain between people and this forsaken place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
