Castillo Nuevo

Castillo Nuevo stands on the rocky outcrop of Peña Marta, right above the small town of Bedmar, within the municipality of Bedmar y Garcíez in Jaén province, in the Sierra Mágina region of Andalusia. Even in ruins, the fortress dominates the skyline above the surrounding olive groves and the Bedmar river valley.

How did the castle come to be built?

The story begins in 1407, when Nasrid troops under Sultan Muhammad VII stormed and sacked Bedmar along with its original stronghold, now known as Castillo Viejo. Repairing the old fortress wasn't considered enough — a new, stronger one was needed. The Order of Santiago took charge: Infante Don Fernando ordered Don Alonso Sánchez de Andújar, Master of the Order, to build the replacement. According to a foundation plaque on site, the new castle was completed in 1411.

Why was it built exactly here?

At the time, Bedmar sat directly on the frontier between Christian Castile and the Muslim Emirate of Granada, making it a flashpoint in the border warfare that ran through the entire 15th century. The Order of Santiago needed a fortress capable of withstanding Nasrid incursions, so its builders applied the most advanced military architecture of the era: a double defensive perimeter, zigzagging walls designed to break up an assault, and side entrances positioned to be hard to reach. An inner stronghold, the alcazarejo, added a further layer of defense.

What is left to see today?

Surviving remains include stretches of the outer walls and the bases of two towers — one square, one circular — typical of the Order of Santiago's fortress-building style. The zigzag wall pattern and the double perimeter are still traceable on the ground, giving a real sense of how the defensive line was laid out five centuries ago. This is a site for travelers who prefer raw, unrestored ruins over polished castle-museums.

What happened to it afterward?

Once its military role faded, the castle was gradually abandoned. In 1973 it passed into private hands, its new owner maintaining it in the centuries-old state of neglect he inherited. Twenty years later, on 22 June 1993, Castillo Nuevo was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural — Spain's designation for a Cultural Heritage Asset. The real turning point came in 2017, when the Bedmar y Garcíez town council purchased the castle from its private owner after months of negotiation. The following year, in 2018, the site underwent its first-ever archaeological excavation.

How do you get there?

The castle sits on the Peña Marta ridge directly above Bedmar, part of the municipality of Bedmar y Garcíez. Getting there by car means local roads through Sierra Mágina, a region known for its mountains, olive groves, and light tourist traffic — a plus for anyone after a quieter visit. The final stretch up to the ruins has to be covered on foot over uneven, rocky ground, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures well below the height of Andalusian summer and the clearest views over the valley and surrounding olive-covered hills. Midsummer heat in Jaén province can be intense, especially on the exposed, treeless climb up to the walls.

Frequently asked questions

Is Castillo Nuevo open to visitors? Yes. The ruins can be viewed from outside and partly explored around the walls — it's a non-commercial site with no ticket booth or fixed visitor infrastructure.

How is it different from Castillo Viejo in Bedmar? Castillo Viejo was the older fortress, captured and destroyed by Nasrid forces in 1407. Castillo Nuevo was built as its replacement in 1411, on the stronger, more defensible position of Peña Marta.

Is it worth combining with other stops in Sierra Mágina? Yes — the region is known for its olive groves, hiking trails, and small towns with medieval roots, making it easy to build a longer itinerary around the visit.

Is the walk up to the ruins difficult? The final approach runs over uneven, rocky terrain with no paved path, so visitors with limited mobility should factor that in before planning a visit.