Castillo de Autol: A Historic Fortress in Spain

Visitor Information

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Country: Spain

Civilization: Medieval Islamic

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

The Castillo de Autol stands in the municipality of Autol, Spain, as a fortress with origins linked to Muslim builders during the 10th or 11th century. However, beneath the castle’s foundations lie ceramic remains dating back to around the 6th century BCE, revealing an earlier Celtiberian settlement that played a key role in the establishment of the town itself.

The castle first enters historical records in 1036, when it was held by Lope Fortuniones, marking the start of documented noble ownership. Over the following centuries, control of the fortress shifted among several prominent figures. Fortún Garzeiz possessed it in the 12th century, followed by Sancho Garzeiz, who, in 1162, donated the castle to King Sancho the Wise. Later, Alfonso VIII of Castile controlled it beginning in 1179, and by 1262 it had passed into the hands of King Jaime I of Aragón. By the late 14th century, ownership had transferred to Pedro Ximénez de Arnedo.

One of the most dramatic episodes in the castle’s history occurred in 1445 under Diego López de Fuelles. Three men serving him were bribed by the council of Calahorra to seize the castle through treachery. They murdered Diego López and his wife during this coup. The fortress was subsequently reclaimed after a month-long siege led by Diego Goíez Manrique, who punished the traitors with execution.

In later years, the castle came into possession of the Counts of Azpa and the Marquises of Fontellas. It is now recognized for its cultural significance, protected by Spanish heritage laws enacted in the 20th century. Although attempts were made to restore parts of the site in 2013, the fortress remains in a state of decay.

Remains

The Castillo de Autol occupies the summit of a distinct rocky outcrop near the town, reflecting its classification as a “castillo roquero” or rock castle. From this vantage point, nearby local landmarks such as El Picuezo and La Picueza are within view. The fortress’s structures are oriented around an irregular rectangular keep, or tower of homage, accompanied by a long wall running parallel which likely served to defend the tower.

The castle was primarily constructed using stones gathered from the nearby Cidacos River, at the rock’s base. Its walls were built employing a technique known as rammed earth, or tapial, which involves compacting layers of earth into forms to create solid, durable walls. Today, only these walls remain visible above ground.

The rectangular tower features several putlog holes—small openings used to support wooden beams or scaffolding during construction—suggesting the interior was arranged across three floors with a terrace crowning the top. Despite some restoration efforts, the ruins show progressive structural decline, with portions of the walls at risk of collapse.

No additional architectural details survive, but the remaining stone and earthwork walls offer a glimpse into the fortress’s former defensive purpose. The site remains a testament to the layered history of settlement and fortification in the area, resting atop a site inhabited since ancient Celtiberian times.