La Morica Encantada

La Morica Encantada is the popular name for Castillo Mayor, a castle overlooking the town of Daroca in the province of Zaragoza, in northeastern Spain. The nickname refers to a well-known legend tied to the fortress, which stands today as one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Aragon region.

Where is the castle located?

The fortress sits on a hill above Daroca, roughly 83 kilometers from Zaragoza. From this vantage point, visitors get a sweeping view over the town and the defensive walls that stretch out from the castle along the highest ridge.

What is the history behind the fortress?

The fortifications originated in the 9th century as a Muslim defensive enclosure. Construction of the Castillo Mayor proper was completed in the 11th century, when the fortress served as both a residence and a military stronghold for the local Muslim rulers. The castle underwent a major restoration in the 19th century, in 1837, which gave it much of its present-day appearance.

Where does the name La Morica Encantada come from?

The name, meaning "the enchanted Moorish girl," comes from a legend set after the Almoravids conquered Daroca in 1110. According to the story, Aben Gama became the town's Muslim ruler and built a palace to house his beloved Melihah. She, however, fell in love with a Christian knight, Don Jaime Díez de Aux, held captive in the castle. When Aben Gama learned that the knight was about to be freed, fearing the two lovers would be reunited, he killed Melihah and threw her body into the castle well. Legend has it that her ghost still rises from the well each night, dressed in white and carrying a light, searching the walls for the man who could break her enchantment.

What can visitors see on site?

Visitors can walk along the surviving stretches of the defensive walls that connect to the hilltop fortress, and seek out the spot associated with the well from the legend. The castle grounds offer one of the best viewpoints over Daroca's old town, its church towers, and the network of medieval streets spreading out below the hill.

How do you get to the castle?

Daroca lies along the main roads connecting Zaragoza with Teruel and Valencia, making it a convenient stop on a journey through Aragon. Arriving by car is the most practical option — a signposted road and walking paths lead from the town center up to the castle hill. Sturdy footwear is recommended, since the ground around the walls is uneven and partly rocky.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with milder temperatures than Aragon's hot summers. Evening hours, especially around sunset, show the walls and towers in their best light — and for those drawn to the legend, dusk also matches the mood of the story of the enchanted Moorish girl.

Frequently asked questions

What is La Morica Encantada? It's the popular name for Castillo Mayor in Daroca, an 11th-century castle built over 9th-century Muslim fortifications, best known for the legend of an enchanted Moorish woman.

Where does the castle's name come from? From the legend of Melihah, the beloved of Muslim ruler Aben Gama, who was killed and thrown into the castle well after her romance with a Christian knight was discovered.

Can you go inside the castle? The castle grounds and adjoining walls are open for visitors to walk through on foot; it's worth checking local signage and current access hours on site, as they can vary seasonally.

How long does a visit take? Walking the walls and the castle hill while taking in the views over Daroca typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on your pace.