Castillo de Villeta o de Cuevas

Castillo de Villeta, also called Castillo de Cuevas or Castillo de las Águilas, is a medieval hilltop fortress overlooking the town of Castillo de Locubín in the province of Jaén, Andalusia. Its weathered ruins sit on a rocky outcrop and tell the story of a long-contested frontier between the Christian and Muslim kingdoms of medieval Spain.

Where does the castle's name come from?

Both the town and the fortress take their name from the Arabic Hisn al-Uqbin, which has been translated either as "castle of the caves" (giving rise to "de Cuevas") or "castle of the eagles" (giving rise to "de las Águilas"). Both versions survive in local tradition and historical writing, and the landscape around the ruins is indeed marked by natural caves and steep rocky cliffs where birds of prey still nest.

What is the history behind the fortress?

Long before the Muslim conquest, the site was home to an Ibero-Roman settlement. Between the late 9th and early 10th centuries, the area was caught up in the Muladí revolts, and the local lord of Locubín sided with Abd al-Rahman III, placing the territory under the influence of nearby Priego de Córdoba. By the 12th century, control had passed to Alcalá la Real.

Christian forces first took the castle in 1213, when Alfonso IX of León captured it, only for it to fall back into Muslim hands soon after. It was not until 1238 that Ferdinand III of Castile conquered it decisively, through the Master of the Order of Calatrava, Martín Ruiz, folding the territory into the Encomienda of Martos in 1240 — though even then, lasting control proved elusive.

The turning point came in 1341, during Alfonso XI's campaign against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. After a grueling siege led by the Infante Don Enrique, the castle finally surrendered to the Crown of Castile for good. As a reward for its role in the Reconquista, the king granted the surrounding lands to the nearby city of Alcalá la Real, under whose jurisdiction the castle would remain for centuries.

What can visitors see today?

Castillo de Villeta is a rock-built fortress laid out on a roughly circular plan. Only part of the outer walls of its alcázar have survived, most visibly on the northeastern side of the hill. The fortress's cylindrical tower of homage, once its most commanding feature, no longer stands — it was destroyed by a violent storm in 1593.

Despite the heavy erosion of time, the site remains a striking vantage point over the valley and the surrounding hills of the Sierra Sur de Jaén. Walking through the ruins gives a clear sense of why this position mattered strategically for centuries, guarding routes that connected Córdoba, Granada, and the wider Jaén region.

How do you get there and when should you visit?

The castle sits on a hill directly above the town of Castillo de Locubín, reachable by local roads from Alcalá la Real or Martos. Reaching the summit involves a short but steep walk, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when temperatures in the province of Jaén are milder than during the intense summer heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is the castle open to the public and free to visit? Yes, the ruins sit on open, unrestricted terrain and can be explored independently at any time, free of charge.

How long does a visit take? Walking the ruins, including the climb up the hill, typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on pace.

Are there other sights worth combining with a visit? Yes — the town of Castillo de Locubín has a charming historic center, and the wider Sierra Sur de Jaén area offers hiking trails and other landmarks tied to the Reconquista period.

Why is it sometimes called "the castle of the eagles"? The name reflects both the Arabic origin of the fortress's original name and the birds of prey that have long nested on the surrounding cliffs.