Castle of Marutegi, Medieval castle in Araia, Spain.
Castle of Marutegi is a medieval fortress located on Marumendi hill near Araia in Álava province. The remains include a nearly impregnable tower positioned on rock and a walled enclosure situated below it.
Garcia Iniguez of Pamplona built this fortress in the 8th century as a border defense for the Kingdom of Pamplona against Castilian forces. The castle served as part of a defensive network protecting the eastern frontier of the region.
The name Marutegi comes from Basque origins and references the hilltop location where the fortress was built. Visitors can explore how the elevated position shaped the way the structure was used to monitor and protect the surrounding lands.
A steep hiking path to the castle starts near the former Ajuria Factory in Araia and follows marked trails to the hilltop. Wear proper footwear and allow time for the climb, as the route is steep and can be slippery in wet conditions.
The tower is built on a rock without any flat access point, showing the extreme defensive strategy needed for early medieval fortresses. This unusual construction made it nearly impossible for attackers to reach the upper position.
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