Castillo de Matrera: A Medieval Fortress in Villamartín, Spain

Visitor Information

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Official Website: andaluciarustica.com

Country: Spain

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

The Castillo de Matrera is a medieval fortress situated in Villamartín, Spain, originally built by the Muslim leader Omar ibn Hafsún in the 9th century. It was constructed as a defensive stronghold to protect the nearby city of Iptuci, which was recognized as the most advanced city within the Cora de Ronda, a territorial division during the early medieval period in al-Andalus.

Following its initial establishment, the castle became a strategic military site amid the shifting control between Muslim and Christian forces. In the 13th century, it fell to Ferdinand III of Castile, who undertook reconstruction efforts to strengthen its defenses. However, during the early 14th century, it returned briefly to Muslim control before being permanently recaptured by Alfonso XI in 1341. The castle’s position on the border of Muslim Granada made it a frequent target of conflict; it endured military sieges in 1408 and again in 1445, reflecting its ongoing strategic importance in frontier warfare.

Beyond its military history, the Castillo de Matrera was involved in a notably lengthy legal dispute over its ownership and lands, which extended for 270 years, marking one of the longest legal conflicts recorded in Spanish history. By the early 21st century, the fortress had fallen into significant decay, culminating in a partial collapse of its main tower in 2013. A restoration project began in 2010 under the guidance of architect Carlos Quevado, aiming to revive the original structure while carefully distinguishing new elements from the medieval remains. Despite controversy and criticism from heritage groups, the restoration was recognized for its preservation approach and received an architectural award in 2016. Today, the castle remains privately owned, and the area has been noted for occasional use involving military helicopter activity.

Remains

The Castillo de Matrera occupies the summit of Mount Pajarete at an altitude of 523 meters and features a large walled enclosure enclosing a central courtyard, known as the patio de armas. The perimeter of the walls extends over 500 meters, with several towers positioned along the curtain walls to enhance defensive coverage. Access to the courtyard is provided by two main gates: the Puerta del Sol on the eastern side and the Puerta de los Carros on the western side, each flanked by their own towers which served as fortified entrances.

The most prominent tower is the keep, or torre del homenaje, situated on the northern edge of the fortress. Prior to restoration, much of the castle was in ruins with only a few walls standing, and the keep suffered a significant structural collapse in 2013 due to neglect. The restoration work rebuilt portions of this tower using lime plaster that matched samples found at the site, alongside large, plain stone blocks to re-establish the fortress’s original mass and silhouette. This approach was designed to recover the castle’s volume and surface texture while maintaining a clear visual distinction between medieval fabric and modern interventions, adopting a style that can be described as neo-brutalist.

Today, the restored castle reveals a blend of original medieval masonry alongside carefully integrated modern repairs, preserving its historical footprint while ensuring structural stability. The combination of robust curtain walls, defensive towers, and fortified gates remains evident, reflecting its role as a frontier castle securing the contested borderlands during the Middle Ages.