Castillo de Alcalá la Real facts for kids
The Castillo de Alcalá la Real, also known as the Fortaleza de La Mota, is a grand old castle located in the town of Alcala la Real, in the province of Jaén, Spain. This amazing fortress sits high up on a hill, about 1,029 meters (3,376 feet) above sea level. It was built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, though some parts are even older! In 1993, this important castle was officially recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural monument, which means it's a special part of Spain's history and culture.
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What is the Castillo de Alcalá la Real?
The Castillo de Alcalá la Real is much more than just a castle. It's a huge defensive area that includes a castle, a walled town, and several towers. Imagine a whole town protected by strong walls! This fortress was built to defend the area and keep people safe.
Why was the castle built?
This castle was built in a very important spot. It was on the border between the Christian kingdom of Castile and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. For many years, these two kingdoms were often at war. The castle's job was to protect the Christian lands and watch over the border. It was like a giant guard dog, always alert!
A look at its history
The area where the castle stands has been important for a long time. People lived here even before the castle was built. The Romans and later the Visigoths had settlements here. When the Muslims arrived in Spain, they also built defenses on this hill. The fortress we see today mostly comes from the time when Christians took control of the area.
Life inside the fortress walls
Inside the strong walls of the Fortaleza de La Mota, there was once a busy town. People lived and worked there, protected by the castle. The fortress had everything a small town needed, like houses, a church, and places to store food and water.
The main parts of the castle
The castle itself has several key parts:
- The Alcazaba: This is the main part of the castle, where the military leaders and important people lived. It has strong towers and thick walls.
- The Keep (Torre del Homenaje): This is the tallest and strongest tower in the castle. It was the last place of defense if enemies broke through the other walls.
- The Church of Santa María la Mayor: This large church was built inside the fortress. It shows how important faith was to the people living there.
How the castle was defended
The castle had many ways to protect itself. It had high walls, deep moats (ditches filled with water or just deep), and towers where guards could watch for enemies. Soldiers used bows and arrows, and later cannons, to defend the castle. The high position of the castle also gave its defenders a great view of anyone approaching.
The castle today
Today, the Castillo de Alcalá la Real is a popular place for visitors. You can explore the old walls, climb the towers, and imagine what life was like centuries ago. It's a fantastic way to learn about Spanish history and see an amazing example of medieval architecture. The castle has been carefully restored so that people can enjoy it for many years to come.
