Castell de Siurana, Medieval fortress in Cornudella de Montsant, Spain.
Castell de Siurana is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky cliff at about 748 meters elevation, overlooking the Priorat region below. Its remaining structures feature rectangular defense towers and thick stone walls that once protected the settlement.
The fortress was built in the 9th century as a military outpost under Islamic rule and remained under Muslim control until Ramon Berenguar IV captured it in 1153. This takeover marked a turning point in who controlled the region during the Middle Ages.
The fortress displays a blend of Romanesque and local building forms that you can see in its remaining walls and structures. This combination reflects how different groups built and lived at the same location across the centuries.
The site is best visited on weekends when guided tours are available through the Cornudella Tourist Office, usually around midday. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the ruins and surrounding grounds at a relaxed pace.
The fortress contains preserved grain storage silos from the Islamic period, showing how the settlement served as a supply center. These structures offer insight into how residents managed daily needs and storage centuries ago.
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