Castillo de las Escobetas facts for kids
The Castillo de las Escobetas is a historic castle located in the town of Garrucha, in the Almería province of Andalusia, Spain. It sits about 3.25 miles north of Cantal Point. This castle was built to protect the fishing village of Garrucha from attacks by Berber pirates. It's an important part of the area's history and a recognized cultural monument.
History of the Castle
For many years, the fishing village of Garrucha faced danger from Berber pirates. These pirates would raid the coast, causing problems for the local people. To protect the village, a military building was needed.
In 1766, the first temporary barracks were built at Escobetas. This early structure cost 13,970 reais. It was a quick solution to the pirate threat.
Just three years later, in 1769, the full castle was finished. Its construction was a much bigger project, costing 181,000 reais. The castle was designed by a skilled architect named Francisco Ruiz Garrido. After the castle was built, Garrucha became much safer. This safety helped the village to grow and become more prosperous.
Castle Design and Structure
The Castillo de las Escobetas is built from strong masonry. It has three main parts. The central part is shaped like a rectangle, but its shorter sides are rounded.
On the right side of the main building, there is a section shaped like a pyramid with sloped walls. At the top of this section, there is a parapet. This is a low wall with small openings called loopholes. These loopholes allowed soldiers to fire their weapons safely from inside the castle.
On the left side, a lower section is attached to the main body. This part does not have any openings. You can enter the castle through an external staircase. This staircase connects to the right side of the building.
Cultural Importance
The Castillo de las Escobetas is not just an old building. It is also an important historical site. In 1963, the Ministry of Culture officially recognized the castle. They declared it a Bien de Interés Cultural monument. This means it is a protected site of cultural interest in Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de las Escobetas para niños
