Castillo de las Cinco Esquinas

Castillo de las Cinco Esquinas is a medieval fortress overlooking the town of Cazorla in the province of Jaén, Andalusia. It stands on the Cerro Salvatierra hill, which gave the castle its alternative name, Castillo de Salvatierra.

How do you get there?

The castle sits on high ground right above Cazorla's town centre, so the easiest approach is on foot from the old quarter. The climb is steep but short, usually taking fifteen to twenty-five minutes depending on where you start. The path winds through the narrow lanes of the La Yedra district, opening onto views of the valley and the Sierra de Cazorla mountains. The site is freely accessible with no admission fee, though sturdy footwear is worth bringing since the ground can be uneven.

What will you see?

What survives today is mainly the keep, notable for its unusual pentagonal floor plan — the very shape that gave the castle its name, "Five Corners." The two-storey structure still cuts an imposing figure atop the rocky ridge, despite the centuries. Around it lie scattered remains of the outer walls, though much of the original fortification has been lost over time. The fortress was built in the second half of the 14th century, likely commissioned by Archbishop Pedro Tenorio, as part of a defensive line guarding the frontier against raids from the neighboring Emirate of Granada. Archaeological research, including ceramic fragments found on site, suggests an earlier Muslim-era fortification may have stood on the same hill, possibly dating back to the late 12th century, during the Caliphate period. Before that, around 1230, Ferdinand III "the Saint" conquered the Cazorla area and placed it under the Adelantamiento de Cazorla, which came under the authority of the Archbishopric of Toledo in 1231 — it was this ecclesiastical administration that later oversaw the castle's construction.

From the platform beside the keep, you get one of the best panoramas over Cazorla and the surrounding Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas mountains, making it a good spot for photos and a breather after the climb.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best conditions, with milder temperatures than the height of summer and especially clear views over the valley. In summer, the exposed hilltop can get very hot during the middle of the day, so it's best to plan the climb for morning or evening hours. Since there's no shelter or tourist infrastructure on site, check the weather forecast before visiting, particularly during the rainy season.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the castle? No, the site is open to the public and can be visited free of charge, at any time.

How long does a visit take? Climbing up and exploring the ruins typically takes 30–45 minutes, though it's worth allowing extra time to take in the panorama.

Is the castle suitable for children or visitors with limited mobility? The approach is steep and uneven, with no wheelchair access, so the site is best suited to visitors in reasonably good physical condition.

Where does the name "Cinco Esquinas" come from? The name refers to the distinctive five-sided shape of the surviving keep, which sets it apart from the typical square or rectangular towers found elsewhere in the region.