Castell de l’Alcalatén: An Islamic Fortress in Spain
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.7
- Popularity
- Very Low
- Country
- Spain
- Primary era
- Medieval
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Medieval
- Civilizations
- Unclassified
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Castle
On this page9 sections
History
Islamic Foundation and Medieval Alterations
Castell de l’Alcalatén is an Islamic fortress in Spain, built between the tenth and thirteenth centuries and later altered during the medieval period. It stands on Mount San Salvador in the municipality of Alcora, in Castellón Province. Its surviving walls, towers, defensive entrance, and cistern reflect the development of a fortified stronghold over several centuries.
Aragonese Conquest
In 1233, after the conquest of Borriana, James I granted the castle and the title of baron to the Aragonese knight Ximén d’Urrea. James I, also known as James the Conqueror, was the thirteenth-century king of Aragon whose conquests expanded the Crown of Aragon into Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and other territories.
Later Changes and Protection
A third tower was demolished in the fifteenth century, leaving rubble at its former location. The castle was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in Spain, in the Monument category, on 30 May 2000.
Remains
Fortified Upper Area
The castle has an irregular triangular plan covering approximately 150 square metres. Its main enclosure is surrounded by a wall-walk, a path along the top of a defensive wall. At the highest point, two walls meet at a right angle and are topped by battlements. They extend into two towers, with a circular tower on the north side and a semicircular tower on the south.
The complex is built of rubble masonry. The eastern section has been destroyed, while the position of the third tower is marked by the rubble left from its fifteenth-century demolition.
Water Storage and Entrance Defences
Cistern
At the foot of the fortified upper area, or alcazaba, stands a rectangular cistern measuring approximately 4 by 10 metres. An alcazaba is a fortified citadel or upper stronghold associated with Islamic-period urban and military architecture. The cistern was constructed from mortar and stone.
Southern Entrance
The entrance lies on the southern side. It is formed by two circular towers, projecting turrets, and a crenellated defensive wall of the barbican type. A barbican is a fortified structure protecting the entrance or approach to a larger fortress.
Nearby sites
