Castle of Atienza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle of Atienza |
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| Native name Spanish: Castillo de Atienza |
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| Location | Atienza, Spain |
| Official name: Castillo de Atienza | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1931 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000609 |
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The Castle of Atienza (in Spanish: Castillo de Atienza) is an old castle in Atienza, Spain. It sits high on a large rock. You can see it from many miles away. In 1931, it was named a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means it is a very important cultural site.
For a long time, the castle was fought over. It often changed hands between the Muslims and the European Christians. The Muslims were people from North Africa and the Middle East. They ruled parts of Spain for many centuries. Finally, in 1085, King Alfonso VI took control of the castle for the Christians.
Contents
History of Atienza Castle
The Castle of Atienza stands on a very old site. Before the castle, there were Roman and Visigoth forts here. The Visigoths were an ancient Germanic people.
Early Control and Battles
The Moors first took control of the castle. But from 870 to 874, Alfonso III of Asturias briefly captured it. Then the Moors took it back again. In 967, Al-Hakam II ruled the castle. Later, García Fernández of Castile took it for the Christians. However, Almanzor, a powerful Muslim leader, captured it again around the year 1000.
Importance and Later Years
In the 11th century, the castle became very important. It was a key part of the Muslim defenses. These defenses were along the River Duero. In 1085, Christian troops led by King Alfonso VI finally captured it. After this, the castle was made bigger several times. It remained an important stronghold.
Later, during the rule of King John II, soldiers from Navarre took over the castle. They had 250 horsemen, 500 foot soldiers, and cannons. Over time, the castle lost its military importance. It was then used as a prison. During the Spanish War of Independence, French soldiers attacked and looted the castle.
What the Castle Looks Like Today
Today, the Castle of Atienza has a main tower and an inner area. This inner area is about 130 meters long and 30 meters wide. The entrance has an arch. Two square towers stand on each side of the arch.
Inside the castle, there are two covered cisterns. These were used to store water. The main tower has a fireplace on its upper floor. Long ago, the castle had four floors. It also had secret tunnels. These tunnels connected the castle to churches in the town below. Two walls protected the castle. One wall connected the main tower to the entrance. The other wall protected the rocky hill itself.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Atienza para niños
