Castle of Alcalá de los Gazules: A Historic Fortress in Spain
Visitor Information
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Official Website: www.castilloalcaladelosgazules.com
Country: Spain
Civilization: Unclassified
Remains: Military
History
The Castle of Alcalá de los Gazules stands on a prominent hill above the town of Alcalá de los Gazules in Spain. While the settlement itself dates back to Roman times, the fortress as it is known today was built during the 12th and 13th centuries by Muslim craftsmen, reflecting the military styles of the Almohad dynasty.
During the Muslim period, the site was called “Qalat at Yazula,” a name that highlights its role as a fortified enclosure. Later, it came to be known as “Castillo de los Gazules” after the ruling family granted control of the town by the Nasrid King of Granada. This family eventually lent their name to the town itself.
In 1264, the Christian king Alfonso X, known as “the Wise,” captured the town, renaming it “Alcalá de los Gazules” in his chronicles. Alfonso X subsequently gave the castle to the religious Order of Santa María de España. From that point on, the castle fell under the authority of the House of Alcalá, whose leader held the title Duke of Alcalá.
Toward the end of the 18th century, the castle’s governance was entrusted to Alonso Delgado de Mendoza y Pérez de Brea, a knight affiliated with the Royal Cavalry Maestranza of Ronda. The fortress maintained its defensive role until the early 19th century, playing a part in the Peninsular War. In 1810, the town resisted French troops, but a year later, in 1811, French forces retaliated for their losses by partially demolishing the castle through an explosion.
Recognizing the site’s cultural value, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, or Cultural Heritage Site, in 1984. Restoration work began in 2006, focusing on the castle’s main tower and surrounding fortifications, along with improvements to the access route funded by the local provincial council.
Remains
The castle comprises a fortified complex enclosed by defensive walls typical of Almohad military architecture. It occupies the highest point on the hill, providing commanding views of the adjacent town. The fortification includes remnants of walls and multiple towers, which together formed a protective “coraza,” or defensive enclosure.
Among the surviving structures are two gates, known as the Villa gate and the Nueva gate, which once controlled access to the fortress. These gates, along with portions of the enclosing walls, offer insight into the castle’s strategic design for defense.
At the heart of the fortress lies the Torre del Homenaje, or keep, of which part remains standing. This tower follows a rectangular layout and features sloping walls, a design typical of its time to deflect assaults. Evidence of several building phases is visible in the structure, including the remains of a vaulted ceiling and a pointed arch. Inside the tower, a door historically divided the interior into three separate floors, each serving distinct functions within the stronghold.
Though the castle is now partially in ruins, the surviving walls and structural elements allow for interpretation of its original military purpose and internal organization. Below the castle hill, the Beaterio de Jesús, María y José, a religious residence and school founded in 1788, is located nearby. This establishment was managed by a local religious community and is linked historically to the castle’s environs.
Recent conservation efforts have not only focused on stabilizing the castle’s ruins but also on enhancing the surrounding area. This includes installing underground electrical and telecommunication lines to protect the site’s visual and historical integrity. These improvements help preserve both the castle’s remains and its immediate environment for future study and care.
