kids encyclopedia robot

Castle of Almansa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Castle of Almansa
Native name
Spanish: Castillo de Almansa
Castillo de Almansa sobre el cerro del Aguila.jpg
Location Almansa, Spain
Official name: Castillo de Almansa
Type Non-movable
Criteria Monument
Designated 1921
Reference no. RI-51-0000190
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

The Castle of Almansa (called Castillo de Almansa in Spanish) is an amazing old castle located in the town of Almansa, Spain. It stands tall on a hill, watching over the surrounding area. This castle is very important because it was officially named a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest") in 1921.

In 2007, the Castle of Almansa was even chosen as one of the top 100 finalists for the "12 Treasures of Spain". This shows how special and well-loved this historic building is in Spain.

What is the Castle of Almansa?

The Castle of Almansa is a medieval fortress. It was built a long time ago to protect the town. Castles like this were very important for defense. They helped guard against enemies and control trade routes.

Where is the Castle Located?

The castle is found in the southeastern part of Spain. It is in the Province of Albacete. This area is part of the Castilla–La Mancha region. The castle sits on a rocky hill called Cerro del Águila (Eagle's Hill).

What Does the Castle Look Like?

The Castle of Almansa has strong walls and tall towers. It is built from stone, which makes it very sturdy. The main part of the castle is a large tower called the keep. From the top, you can see far across the landscape.

Inside the Castle Walls

Inside the castle, there are different areas. These include courtyards and smaller buildings. Soldiers and important people lived and worked here. The design of the castle helped keep everyone safe.

Who Built the Castle?

The castle has a long history. Its origins go back to the time of the Almohad Caliphate. This was a powerful empire in the 12th century. Later, Christian kingdoms took control of the area.

Changes Over Time

The castle was rebuilt and changed many times. Different groups added to it over the centuries. The most important changes happened in the 14th and 15th centuries. This was when the Señorío de Villena family owned it.

The Pacheco Family

The Pacheco family, who were Marquises of Villena, made the castle stronger. They added many of the features we see today. These changes made it a very impressive fortress. It also became a symbol of their power.

Why is the Castle Important Today?

The Castle of Almansa is a great example of medieval architecture. It helps us understand history. It shows how people lived and defended themselves long ago. It is a popular place for visitors.

A Cultural Treasure

Being a Bien de Interés Cultural means the castle is protected. This ensures it will be preserved for future generations. It is a valuable part of Spain's heritage. Many people enjoy learning about its past.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Castillo de Almansa para niños

kids search engine
Castle of Almansa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.