Castillo, Medieval castle in Priego de Córdoba, Spain.
Castillo is a stone fortress perched on a hilltop that dominates the highest point of Priego de Córdoba. Towers and defensive walls form a complex system spread across the terrain.
The fortress started as a Roman outpost and was later rebuilt by Moors into a major stronghold that protected the region during Islamic rule. Christian forces subsequently modified and reinforced the structure over time.
The fortress reflects layers of different periods that shaped the town, and visitors can see how people adapted the structure over centuries. The mix of architectural styles tells the story of how different communities lived here one after another.
The path to the fortress is steep but well marked, winding through narrow old streets of the town center. Wear sturdy shoes and consider visiting early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
Below the fortress lies an ancient water storage system with cisterns carved directly into the rock, revealing how people managed water in this dry region centuries ago. This hidden infrastructure allowed the stronghold to withstand long sieges.
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