Castell de Penella, Medieval castle in Cocentaina, Spain.
Castell de Penella is a medieval fortress standing on a limestone hilltop near Cocentaina. The structure consists of a square tower and surrounding walls built with solid stone and reinforced earth construction methods.
In 1271, King Jaime I granted permission to Ponç Guillem de Villafranca to build this fortress on the hilltop. It was constructed during the period following the Christian reconquest as a defensive stronghold for the area.
The fortress shows features of early Christian architecture that emerged after this region was reclaimed. Visitors can see today how the castle was woven into the landscape and what role it played in the daily life of the medieval community.
The site lies outside the town center and requires a walk over uneven ground to reach it. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and check conditions before visiting, as accessibility can vary depending on weather.
The northern side of the fortress uses the hill's natural vertical limestone cliff as an additional defensive wall. This clever use of the landscape shows how medieval builders incorporated the terrain into their strategic plans.
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