Monuments — Spain — NextOnTrip

Bolera de los Moros Archaeological

Peñarrubia

Bolera de los Moros is a medieval fortress ruin crowning Monte Santa Catalina in the municipality of Peñarrubia, Cantabria, right above the village of Piñeres. Also known as Castillo de Piñeres or Castillo de Santa Catalina, it ranks among the most intriguing archaeological sites in this stretch of northern Spain. What is this site? The stronghold was built sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries and functioned as a watchpost guarding access from the coast. Excavations led by archaeologist Pedro Sarabia uncovered a trapezoidal tower, an oval watchtower roughly 10 by 6 meters across, a walled courtyard, and the stone foundations of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine. The structures were built from local limestone bonded with lime mortar. Digs at the site turned up bones, metal objects, and pottery, including fragments decorated with comb-impressed patterns typical of the repoblación period. These finds confirm the fortress was inhabited and used across several centuries. The name "Bolera de los Moros" — literally "the Moors' bowling green" — comes from the shape of the terrain, which resembles a bowling lane, and has inspired local legends about golden bowling balls once used by the hill's early inhabitants. Why visit? The site sits close to the church of Santa María de Lebeña and the Cueva de la Mora (Moorish Woman's Cave). This proximity has led researchers to suggest the area may have sheltered Christian refugees fleeing the Islamized territories of southern Iberia. For visitors, that means the ruins can easily be combined with a short walk through one of the historically richest corners of the Liébana valley. The hilltop itself also rewards visitors with sweeping views over the surrounding hills and valley, making it appealing to history buffs and hikers alike. How do you get there? Monte Santa Catalina rises above the village of Piñeres, within the Peñarrubia municipality. Parking and trail signage are available near the site. Reaching the ruins requires a short but steep walk up from the village, so sturdy footwear is recommended. What will you see on site? Across roughly 300 square meters, visitors can make out exposed sections of the defensive walls, the outline of the tower and watchtower, and the stone foundations of the former chapel. The area was cleared and prepared for public visits following excavation work completed in 1999, so the layout of the old fortress is legible even without archaeological training. When is the best time to visit? Since the site is exposed and unsheltered on an open hilltop, spring and summer are the most comfortable seasons, when Cantabria's weather favors longer walks and clear views. In autumn and winter the ground can turn damp and slippery, which is worth factoring into your plans. Protection and status The area was first protected as an archaeological zone in 1949 and formally declared a "bien de interés cultural" (cultural heritage site) in 1985 under law 16/1985. This status underlines the site's importance to regional history and ensures its preservation for future visitors. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? The site is an open-air archaeological zone with free access, though it's worth checking current local information before your visit. How long does a visit take? Given the modest size of the ruins (about 300 m²), a visit including the walk up typically takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Is the route suitable for children? The climb is short but requires sturdy shoes and care on uneven ground, especially after rain. What else can I combine with this visit? The nearby church of Santa María de Lebeña and the Cueva de la Mora both pair well with a historical day out in the Liébana valley.

Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar

Palamós

Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar is a ruined medieval watchtower castle perched on the cliffs above Palamós, on Spain's Costa Brava. What remains today are scattered stone foundations of a few towers and stretches of defensive wall, sitting right where the rocky shoreline drops into the Mediterranean, between two of the area's most popular coves — La Fosca and Cala s'Alguer. There's no ticket booth or restored interior to walk through here — it's a scenic stop along a coastal path rather than a museum-style monument. What will you actually see? Only the base of a handful of towers and some wall sections have survived the centuries of sea wind and cliff erosion, and the whole site is fenced off, so you can't climb among the stones or step inside what's left of the towers. Viewing happens from outside, along the adjoining path. The real draw isn't the architecture itself but the setting: open sea views, a jagged coastline, and the pine grove that frames the ruins on a small headland between two beaches. How do you get there? The easiest approach is on foot, along the path connecting La Fosca beach to Cala s'Alguer — a short but scenic stretch of cliffside trail with the castle ruins as a natural midpoint between the two coves. This same section forms part of the GR 92, the long-distance footpath that runs along the entire Catalan coast, so it's just as easy to reach it as part of a longer hike as it is on a short stroll from central Palamós. If you're driving, the practical option is to park near La Fosca or S'Alguer and walk the rest of the way — there's no direct vehicle access to the ruins themselves. When's the best time to visit? Since the path offers little shade, early morning or late afternoon make for the most comfortable walk, especially in summer when the cliffs can get quite hot under direct sun. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures and noticeably fewer people on the trail, which makes for calmer sightseeing. Sunset over the cliff, with the castle ruins in the foreground, is one of the most photographed moments along this stretch of the Costa Brava. What else can you combine it with? Because the ruins sit exactly between two beaches, pairing a short stop here with a swim is the obvious plan — La Fosca has a wider stretch of sand and fuller beach facilities, while Cala s'Alguer is a smaller, quieter cove lined with old fishermen's cottages. The path also works well as part of a longer coastal walk toward central Palamós, where the harbor and seafront promenade offer restaurants serving local seafood. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the castle ruins? No — the site is fenced off and protected from entry, so viewing is limited to the outside, from the adjoining path. Is there an entrance fee? No, the site is open and free to access — it's a stop along a public coastal path, not a ticketed attraction. How long does it take to reach the ruins? From the path between La Fosca and Cala s'Alguer, it's usually a walk of just a few minutes, depending on your starting point. Is the walk suitable for children? The path is short and not technically demanding, but it runs along a cliff edge, so care is needed near the drop-offs, especially with young children.

Castillo de Boltaña

Boltaña

Castillo de Boltaña is a ruined medieval castle perched on a hill directly above the town of Boltaña, in the heart of Sobrarbe in the Aragonese Pyrenees. From its walls and tower, visitors look out over the Ara river valley and the surrounding peaks, making it one of the best viewpoints in the area. What is the history behind the castle? The fortress took shape at the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries, reaching its definitive form after 1017 through work carried out by Lombard master builders and local craftsmen trained in that tradition. Together with the castle of Abizanda, Boltaña's fortress is one of the few in Sobrarbe to preserve a complete defensive perimeter wall alongside decorative details shared between the two sites, both built in the Lombard-Romanesque style. It is considered one of the first Christian strongholds raised in the region after it was reclaimed from Muslim rule. In 1036, King Ramiro I placed the castle under the command of the tenant Sancho Galíndez, who reinforced its fortifications and oversaw them until 1080. From the mid-12th century onward the stronghold gradually lost its strategic importance, and by the early 15th century it was already largely in ruins. The castle continued to decay for centuries until recent conservation work stabilized part of the walls and made it safe to climb the keep. What will you see on site? Castillo de Boltaña is a classic defensive complex made up of an enclosing wall and a watchtower, or keep. Its layout is irregular — a rectangle that narrows toward the section where the tower stands. Although the structure is in ruins, the outline of the former courtyard and stretches of the perimeter wall are still clearly visible. The restored keep can be climbed and rewards visitors with a sweeping view over the rooftops of Boltaña, the Ara valley, and the surrounding Pyrenean ridgeline. The castle also carries a local legend: residents say witches once gathered here for nocturnal covens, known as aquelarres, and that a well within the walls was believed to lead straight down to the waters of the river. How do you get to the castle? A short but steep footpath leads up to the ruins, starting from Boltaña's main square. The one-way walk usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and requires no special preparation beyond sturdy footwear. Many visitors combine the climb with a visit to the nearby hermitages of Santa Lucía, Santa Bárbara, San Sebastián, and San Andrés, each offering additional viewpoints along the way. When is the best time to visit? Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to climb up to the castle, when Pyrenean temperatures are mild and views over the valley are especially clear. In summer, an early morning walk helps avoid the midday heat, while in winter the path can be slippery, so footwear with good grip is essential. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for the castle? No, access to the ruins and the tower is free and possible year-round. How long does a visit take? The walk up and back takes about 30 to 40 minutes; allow closer to an hour if you plan to linger at the tower and take in the views. Is the castle accessible for children or older visitors? The path is short but steep and uneven in places, so caution is advised; it is not suitable for strollers or visitors with limited mobility. Is it worth combining the visit with other sights in Boltaña? Yes — alongside the castle, the town's historic center and the nearby hermitages mentioned above form a complete walking route through historic Boltaña.

Castle of Xinquer

Alcudia de Veo

Castell de Xinquer (Castle of Xinquer) is a ruined medieval fortress in the municipality of Alcudia de Veo, deep in the Sierra de Espadán mountains of Castellón province. The castle sits atop a rocky outcrop right next to the abandoned hamlet of Xinquer, surrounded by the cork oak and pine woodlands that define this mountain range. What will you see there? Only fragments of the perimeter walls and the remains of two towers survive from the original fortification. The structure is heavily deteriorated and overgrown, giving it a wild, atmospheric character — this is a site for travelers who enjoy discovering ruins in a raw natural setting rather than a polished, restored monument. The layout follows the pattern typical of Muslim-era defensive forts in the region, though its exact construction date and building phases remain uncertain due to the scarcity of written records about it. The castle once served a defensive role, watching over the valley and the routes running through the Sierra de Espadán. From its position, the views stretch across surrounding ravines and forested slopes, rewarding the effort of the climb up. The history behind the ruins The hamlet of Xinquer, next to which the castle stands, was once a Muslim alquería — a small farming settlement whose name derives from a word meaning shed or granary. After the expulsion of the Moriscos in the 17th century, the site was occupied intermittently by Christian settlers, though it never regained its former importance. It was finally abandoned during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), and both the hamlet and the castle it once protected have been crumbling into ruin ever since. Today it stands as a quiet testament to centuries of settlement in the Sierra de Espadán — a region where Muslim-era roots remain more visible in the cultural landscape than in many other parts of Spain. How do you get there? A forest track in good condition branches off the road connecting Alcudia de Veo and Algimia de Almonacid, leading toward the site. From there, the final stretch must be covered on foot along a mountain path — plan for at least an hour's walk one way, depending on your fitness and starting point. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. When should you visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in the Sierra de Espadán stay mild and the trails through the cork oak forests are at their most scenic. Summer heat in this part of Castellón can be intense, so it's worth setting out early in the morning and bringing plenty of water — there are no supply points along the way. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee for the castle? No, it's an open mountain site, freely accessible with no fees and no set visiting hours. Is the castle well preserved? No — only fragments of the walls and two towers remain. The structure is in ruins and heavily covered by vegetation. Where does the name Xinquer come from? It comes from the former Muslim hamlet (alquería) that stood beside the castle, finally abandoned during the Spanish Civil War. Is the route to the castle difficult? You can drive as far as the forest track, but the rest of the way is on foot along a mountain path — reasonable fitness and proper footwear are needed for the uneven terrain.

Castell del Brull

el Brull

Castell del Brull is a medieval castle ruin perched on a hill in the municipality of El Brull, in the Osona region, at the northern foot of the Montseny massif in Catalonia. Little remains today beyond sections of wall and towers, but its unusual pentagonal layout and history stretching back over nine centuries make it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the area. Where does this fortress come from? The castle is first documented in 1071, and for the following two centuries it belonged to the counts of Osona, a lineage that later took the name and title of Cardona. Once that family moved its main seat to Cardona, they sold the castle along with the territory of Brull to the bishop and cathedral chapter of Vic, in transactions dated 1266 and 1271. From the 14th century until 1812, the bishops of Vic held Brull as its lords and barons, turning the site into a significant administrative center for the region during that long stretch. What will you see there? The castle was built on a pentagonal plan, with a tower at each of its five corners — an unusual design among Catalan fortresses of the period. Historians identify two building phases, dated to the 12th and 13th centuries. In the earlier phase, the walls were raised from blocks of white limestone bonded with a very grainy lime mortar, laid in regular courses, and the towers measured roughly a meter in diameter. Today the ruins are consolidated and landscaped for visitors, with open access to the site — walking among the remaining walls, you can still trace the outline of the original fortification. The castle sits on a hill west of the church of Sant Martí, with views stretching over the surrounding hills of Osona and the first slopes of Montseny. The site is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest (Bé Cultural d'Interès Nacional), confirming its historical value. How to get there and when to visit? El Brull lies in the Osona region, not far from larger towns such as Vic and Sant Celoni, and the best way in is by car along the local roads leading toward Montseny Natural Park. The castle ruins stand on a rise near the village itself, so it's worth covering the final stretch on foot. Because the ruins are open and unsheltered, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when temperatures are mild and the views over the surrounding hills are at their clearest. It's worth pairing the visit with a walk through the village of El Brull and the nearby church of Sant Martí, or a longer hike into Montseny if time allows. Frequently asked questions When was Castell del Brull built? The castle is first mentioned in 1071, with its main construction attributed to two building phases in the 12th and 13th centuries. Who owned the castle over the centuries? For its first two centuries it belonged to the counts of Osona (later Cardona); from 1266–1271 until 1812 it belonged to the bishops of Vic, who held Brull as its lords and barons. What makes this castle architecturally distinctive? Its unusual pentagonal plan, with a tower at each of the five corners — a layout rarely seen among medieval Catalan castles. Can visitors explore the ruins on their own? Yes, the site is consolidated and landscaped, with open access — it's best combined with a visit to the village of El Brull and the surrounding Montseny area.

Castle of Monteagudo

Murcia

Castillo de Monteagudo is a medieval hilltop fortress barely 5 km northeast of Murcia, crowned today by the towering figure of Cristo de Monteagudo, visible from many kilometres away. What is the history behind the castle? The stronghold has Islamic roots, with the earliest documented references dating to around 1078–1079. It took its current layout under Ibn Mardanish, the 12th-century ruler of Murcia. After the Christian conquest the site gained new importance: in 1257 Alfonso X the Wise made it his residence during his stay in Murcia. Its strategic value grew further in 1304, when the Vinalopó valley and part of the Vega Baja along the Segura river passed to the Kingdom of Valencia, turning Monteagudo into a key defensive point for the Castilian Kingdom of Murcia along the new border. The castle was declared a National Monument in 1931. Where does the Christ statue on top come from? The unmistakable silhouette of Cristo de Monteagudo, known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is not part of the original fortress. A first monument went up in 1926, only to be torn down during the Spanish Civil War. The statue visitors see today was rebuilt in 1951 and has since become the hill's most recognisable feature, visible from countless spots across Murcia and its surrounding farmland. What can you see on site? The climb up the hill winds past the remains of the fortress's walls and towers, and a viewpoint halfway up offers a panorama over Murcia and the huerta — the traditionally irrigated fertile plain around the city, where the medieval-era irrigation channels are still visible today. The site also hosts the Monteagudo Visitor Centre (C/ Iglesia 48), starting point for the Sendero de los Castillos, a roughly 6 km circular route linking the castle with the nearby Castillejo fortification and the Larache site, along with historic albercas — old water reservoirs and leisure estates. How do you get there and when should you visit? Monteagudo is reachable by bus lines 31, 36, 50 and R20 (Desvío de Monteagudo stop) or by tram line L1. Entry to the castle grounds is free, though groups of more than 20 people should book ahead through the visitor centre. Standard opening hours run Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 19:30, and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00; the site is closed on Mondays and public holidays. From 22 June through the end of August, summer hours apply (Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00–15:00), with the castle closed on Sundays during that period. Frequently asked questions How long does a visit take? Walking the ruins and the viewpoint usually takes 45–60 minutes, though you should allow extra time for the climb up the hill and for extending the walk along the Sendero de los Castillos. Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the castle grounds is free. Only organised groups larger than 20 people need to book in advance. Can the visit be combined with other nearby sights? Yes — the circular Sendero de los Castillos route also passes the nearby Castillejo and the Larache site, giving a fuller picture of this part of Murcia's medieval defences. What's the best way to get there without a car? City buses (lines 31, 36, 50, R20, Desvío de Monteagudo stop) or tram line L1 both run directly to Monteagudo.

Onda Castle

Onda

Castillo de Onda stands on a hilltop above the town of Onda, in Spain's Castellón province, in the Valencian Community. Locals call it the "castle of three hundred towers," a nickname that has stuck for centuries and still draws visitors curious about the region's Moorish past. Where does the "three hundred towers" name come from? The first stronghold went up in the 10th century, during the Caliphate period, built over even older Iberian and Roman remains. Over the following centuries it grew into a genuine fortress-city covering roughly 25,500 square meters, perched 284 meters above sea level. That sheer scale is what sparked the legend: medieval chronicler Ramon Muntaner recorded that the castle and town of Onda had "as many towers as there are days in the year." The count was never meant literally — it was shorthand for an unusually large fortification — but the name outlived the exaggeration. What is there to see today? A visit means walking the surviving walls, towers, and courtyards, with views stretching over Onda's rooftops and the hills of the Plana Baixa district. Inside the grounds sits the Museu d'Arqueologia i Història d'Onda (Museum of Archaeology and History of Onda), whose standout exhibit is a set of Muslim plasterwork decorations (yeserías) recovered from an early 13th-century palatial residence — a rare survival of this kind of craftsmanship in the region. Information panels along the route are bilingual in Spanish and English, making it easy to explore independently. What history lies behind the walls? The fortress played a pivotal role in the region's past. In April 1238, Zayan, the last Moorish ruler of Valencia, surrendered Onda to the Catalan-Aragonese king James I the Conqueror. A decade later, in 1248, the town was granted its Carta de Puebla, a founding charter that gave residents certain privileges and formally allowed Christians, Muslims, and Jews to coexist within its walls. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Onda ranked among the most important defensive positions north of Moorish Valencia. Today both the castle and the town's historic centre hold official recognition as sites of historic and artistic interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). When to visit and how to get there? Onda sits inland in Castellón province, within easy reach of the Costa del Azahar coastline. Because the castle occupies an exposed hilltop, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, with milder temperatures than summer and clearer views from the ramparts. It's worth timing a visit to combine a walk along the fortifications with a stop at the museum inside — that way you get both the defensive architecture and a glimpse of everyday life from the site's past. Frequently asked questions Why is Onda Castle called the "castle of three hundred towers"? The name traces back to a medieval account by chronicler Ramon Muntaner, who compared the number of towers to the number of days in a year — a way of emphasizing the fortress's huge size rather than a literal count. Who built Onda Castle? Muslims raised the first fortification in the 10th century, during the Caliphate era, on top of earlier Iberian and Roman settlements. It was expanded over the following centuries. What can you see inside the castle? Defensive walls, towers, and courtyards, along with the Museum of Archaeology and History of Onda, home to a collection of Muslim plasterwork from a 13th-century palatial residence. What historical event is linked to the castle? In 1238, Zayan, the last Moorish ruler of Valencia, surrendered Onda to King James I the Conqueror, and in 1248 the town received a charter allowing the coexistence of three religions.

Castellnovo Castle

Castellnovo

Castellnovo Castle, perched above the town of Castellnovo in the Alto Palancia region of Castellón province, in Spain's Valencian Community, ranks among the most layered fortresses of this corner of the Mediterranean coast. Built on the San Cristóbal hill, it preserves traces of Roman foundations, Islamic military architecture, and a later Renaissance transformation into a noble residence. How to get there? Castellnovo is a small inland town in Castellón province, reached most easily by car along local roads connecting the Alto Palancia valley with the coast. The fortress sits directly above the village on its hilltop, so visitors typically park in the town centre and continue on foot up a short, steep path to reach the castle gate. What will you see? The site's earliest structures are attributed to Roman builders, though the fortress took its defining shape in the 12th century, when Muslim engineers reworked it into a stronghold with the layout typical of Islamic military architecture. That chapter closed in 1228, when the forces of King Jaume I captured the castle during the Christian conquest of the region. Five years later, in 1233, the king granted it to the knight Berenguer de Entenza, who held the lordship until 1291. Ownership then passed, in the following century, to Guillem d'Esplugues. The most decisive period in the castle's history came in the 15th century, when it passed into the hands of Beatriz de Borja, a member of the famous Borgia family. Under her ownership, between the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the fortress underwent a thorough Renaissance remodeling: builders added the domes and machicolations — projecting galleries that allowed defenders to drop projectiles on attackers below — that still define its silhouette today, blending defensive function with residential grandeur. In the 17th century, the estate passed to the Folch de Cardona family, and the barony of Castellnovo was elevated to a marquisate. A darker episode followed in the 19th century: in 1836, during the First Carlist War, the hill became the scene of a bloody clash between Liberal and Carlist forces fighting over the Spanish succession. Today, the castle is entering a new chapter. In 2025, Spain's Ministry of Housing committed an investment of 700,000 euros to restoration and conservation works aimed at stabilising the walls and returning the monument to something closer to its historic condition. When to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in inland Castellón are milder than the height of summer. The hillside offers little shade, so a morning visit is advisable during the hottest months. Because restoration work is ongoing, it's worth checking current opening hours and which parts of the castle are accessible before setting out. Frequently asked questions Who built Castellnovo Castle? Its origins trace back to Roman times, but the fortress took its Islamic military form in the 12th century, before the Christian conquest of 1228. Why is the castle linked to the Borgia family? In the 15th century, ownership passed to Beatriz de Borja, related to the Borgia family, and it was during her tenure that the castle received its Renaissance remodeling. What happened at the castle in 1836? The hill was the site of a bloody battle between Liberal and Carlist forces during the First Carlist War. Is the castle currently being restored? Yes — in 2025, Spain's Ministry of Housing invested 700,000 euros in conservation work on the fortress.

Castell d'Alsamora

Sant Esteve de la Sarga

Castell d'Alsamora is a medieval defensive ruin in the small village of Alsamora, part of the municipality of Sant Esteve de la Sarga in the Pallars Jussà region (Lleida province, Catalonia). A circular stone tower crowning the hill above the village is the only surviving piece of the former stronghold, visible from a distance against the Pyrenean foothills. What is the history behind the castle? The tower most likely dates from the 11th century, though the site itself was not mentioned in writing until the 18th century, when villagers answered Francisco de Zamora's survey questionnaire. The surrounding territory, however, is documented far earlier: a 1038 boundary charter concerning the Fabregada estate already references the area, recording that Ramon V granted it to Bertran Ató. During the first half of the 11th century, Alsamora formed part of a defensive chain stretched along the southern edge of the Pyrenees, alongside the castles of Castellnou del Montsec, Torre Amargós, Montanyana, Girbeta, Viacamp and Falç. This network existed to intercept Muslim raiding parties coming either from the south through the Ares pass or from the west out of the Muslim strongholds of Benabarre, Graus and Barbastro. In effect, Castell d'Alsamora served as a frontier watchtower during the Reconquista, before the Christian-Muslim border moved further south. What will you see on site? The main surviving feature is a cylindrical watchtower, typical of Romanesque-era military architecture in Pallars Jussà. It occupies the highest point of the village, which explains its original purpose: from here, defenders could monitor the valley routes and the approaches to nearby mountain passes. Around the tower, the setting is classic Pyrenean foothill country — the stone houses of Alsamora, terraced fields, and views toward the Montsec range. How do you get there? Alsamora sits within the municipality of Sant Esteve de la Sarga, in the heart of Pallars Jussà, Lleida province. This is typical inland Catalan territory — small, scattered villages linked by local roads, best reached by car. The area borders the Montsec massif and the Sant Antoni reservoir, making it a convenient base for exploring other medieval defensive sites scattered across Pallars Jussà. When is the best time to visit? Given the mountainous setting and the lack of covered tourist infrastructure, spring and autumn are the best seasons, offering comfortable walking temperatures and the clearest Pyrenean views. Summer afternoons can get hot, while winter snowfall can make the access roads to smaller villages harder to drive. Frequently asked questions How old is Castell d'Alsamora? The tower is believed to date from the 11th century, although the castle itself is first mentioned in writing only in the 18th-century survey compiled by Francisco de Zamora. What role did the castle play in the Middle Ages? It was part of a defensive line guarding against Muslim raids arriving from the south (through the Ares pass) and the west (from the strongholds of Benabarre, Graus and Barbastro), working alongside nearby castles such as Castellnou del Montsec and Montanyana. What exactly remains of the castle today? Mainly a round stone tower standing at the top of the hill above the village of Alsamora — the last visible remnant of the original fortress. Are there other nearby sites worth visiting? Yes — Pallars Jussà is dense with similar defensive structures from the same period, including Castellnou del Montsec and Torre Amargós, so it's easy to combine several medieval strongholds into a single trip.

Castle of Atzeneta

Atzeneta del Maestrat

Castell d'Atzeneta, the medieval castle of Atzeneta del Maestrat, sits in ruins around 3 km from the village center, in the province of Castellón, in Spain's Valencian Community. Perched at roughly 500 metres above sea level in an area known as Les Foies, the site commands sweeping views over the surrounding sierras and valley. What remains today is mainly the keep — a square gothic tower built from solid stone, still showing traces of a former residential wing and doorways framed by rounded arches. What will you see? The gothic keep is the highlight of any visit: a compact, weathered tower that has outlasted the rest of the fortress by centuries. Around its base you can still make out sections of wall and the outline of what was once a courtyard, even though most of the surrounding structures have long since collapsed. The castle originally guarded the mountain pass of Atzeneta, the main route linking the area to the Sierra de Lucena and its neighbouring ravines — a strategic chokepoint that made the fortress essential for controlling access to the village for centuries. The site is officially listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (a protected cultural asset) in the Monument category, reflecting its recognised historical significance in the region. The fortress traces its origins to the Arab period — the name Atzeneta itself comes from Zanet, a Berber chieftain of the Az-Zanata tribe. Following the Christian reconquest by the forces of James I of Aragon, ownership of the village and castle changed hands several times: in 1235 the king exchanged it, along with the castle of Les Coves, for the town of Morella, handing the estate to Blasco de Alagón; by 1241 it had passed by inheritance to Guillem d'Anglesola. In 1387, Pere de Queralt sold the so-called Castellar to the Master of the Order of Montesa, closing an important chapter in the site's feudal history. The ruins border a protected green space, the El Castell municipal nature area, so a visit to the castle pairs naturally with a walk through the surrounding hills. How do you get there? The easiest way to reach the castle is by car: a local road climbs from the centre of Atzeneta del Maestrat and the drive takes only a few minutes. The final stretch usually requires a short walk uphill, since the ruins sit on elevated ground. Sturdy shoes are worth packing, as the terrain around the tower is rocky and uneven. When should you visit? Given the altitude and the lack of shade or covered attractions, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures in Castellón are milder than during the peak of summer. Aim for a clear day — good visibility lets you appreciate both the gothic details of the keep and the panoramic views over the surrounding mountain ranges. Frequently asked questions What survives of the castle in Atzeneta? Mainly a square gothic keep, along with traces of a former residential wing and fragments of the defensive walls and courtyard. What's the history behind the site? The fortress has Arab-era origins and changed hands repeatedly after the 13th-century reconquest — passing from James I of Aragon through the houses of Alagón and Anglesola before being sold to the Order of Montesa in 1387. Can the visit be combined with other nearby attractions? Yes — the area around the ruins forms part of the protected El Castell nature reserve, making it easy to combine the castle with a short walk through the surrounding hills. How long does a visit take? Since only a small portion of the original structure survives, most visitors spend around 30–45 minutes at the site, including the walk up from the parking area and time to take in the views.

Atalaya Castle

Villena

Atalaya Castle stands guard over Villena, a town in the northwest of Alicante province, close to the borders with Albacete, Valencia and Murcia. Perched on a rocky spur of the San Cristóbal mountain, the fortress spent centuries watching over the old frontier between Castile and Aragon. How old is the castle? The exact construction date is unknown, but the fortress already appears in Arab sources from 1172, during Almohad rule, when it served as a refuge for the people of Villena. Some historians have speculated that the site may sit on top of an earlier Roman structure, though excavations have never confirmed this. Atalaya was a key stronghold on the northern edge of Muslim-controlled Iberia. It withstood three separate sieges by James I of Aragon before finally falling in 1240. Following the Treaty of Almizra in 1244, the castle passed into Castilian hands — first to the Order of Calatrava, then to Infante Manuel. His son, Juan Manuel, Prince of Villena, later strengthened its defenses. In 1445 the castle was granted to Juan Pacheco along with the title of Marquis of Villena. He reinforced the original Almohad walls, added an outer defensive ring, and raised the keep by two extra storeys — the form in which most of the structure still stands today. During the Peninsular War, Marshal Suchet ordered the main tower blown up, destroying Almohad-era vaults that ranked among the oldest surviving examples in both Spain and the Maghreb. The castle was then abandoned, and in the 19th century locals took stones from its walls to build nearby houses. What can you see today? The keep is the highlight — climb to its rooftop for sweeping views over Villena and the surrounding countryside. Look out too for surviving stretches of the Almohad walls and the remaining medieval vaults, which survived the Napoleonic-era explosion. Restoration work and archaeological digs have been ongoing since 1958, uncovering further architectural details of the fortress. How do you get there and what does a visit involve? Visits start at the reception center right next to the castle, where you can also leave your car. Tickets are sold there or at the Tourist Information Office on Plaza de Santiago. Without a guide, the castle is open Tuesday to Sunday, plus public holidays and the Mondays before them, from 10:00 to 14:00. Guided tours run in the morning at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30, with an additional afternoon slot at 16:30 from Tuesday to Saturday — these require booking in advance. Admission costs €3, or €1.50 with a discount. When is the best time to visit? Since most of the walls and paths are exposed with little shade, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions and the clearest views from the tower. In summer, aim for the early morning slots before the heat sets in. Frequently asked questions Is the castle original or a reconstruction? Much of the structure is original, including the Almohad-era walls and vaults. The upper section of the keep dates from Juan Pacheco's 15th-century rebuilding, and restoration work has continued since 1958. How long does a visit take? A self-guided visit usually takes about an hour; guided tours run a bit longer since they include the castle's history and access to the tower. Do I need to book tickets in advance? Self-guided visits require no reservation, but guided tours do. Tickets are available at the reception center next to the castle or at the Tourist Information Office. Is the castle suitable for children? Yes, families can visit comfortably, though some paths cross uneven, rocky ground, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Monuments in Spain