Castell de Cabrera, Medieval castle on Cabrera Island, Balearic Islands, Spain
Castell de Cabrera is a hexagonal fortress located on an island off Mallorca at an elevated point overlooking the natural harbor. The structure features thick stone walls with battlements and former gun positions that once served maritime defense.
The fortress was likely built in the 14th century and first documented in 1410. It was destroyed in 1550 by a Turkish attacker and later rebuilt in 1698 to protect the coast from raids.
The castle's name comes from an Arabic word meaning "small horse," reflecting the island's early history. Visitors can still observe traces of this Arabic heritage in the landscape and structural remains today.
The castle is reachable only by boat from Mallorca, with the crossing taking roughly an hour. Plan your visit on days with good weather, as the crossing can be difficult during rough sea conditions.
The Turkish corsair who attacked the island in 1550 was a notorious raider who also attacked other Mediterranean coasts. This destruction was so severe that nearly 150 years passed before the fortress was rebuilt.
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