Castle of Bujalance facts for kids
The Castillo de Bujalance is an old castle in the town of Bujalance, located in southern Spain. It's in the province of Córdoba, which is part of the Andalucia region. This castle was originally called Bury al-Hans, which means "tower of the snake."
It was built a long time ago, in the 10th century. This was during the time of the Caliphate, a powerful Islamic empire ruled by Abd-ar-Rahman III. The castle is a great example of the military buildings constructed by Muslims in medieval Spain, known as Al-Andalus. Over the years, it was updated several times. One of the most recent updates happened in 1512, and Queen Joanna of Castile paid for it.
The castle has a rectangular shape. It measures about 59 meters (193 feet) from north to south and 51 meters (167 feet) from east to west. Its original name, "tower of the snake," and the fact that it had seven towers, are linked to how the city got its current name and even its coat of arms. In 1963, the Spanish government declared it a Bien de Interés Cultural, which means it's a very important historical monument that needs to be protected.
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What is the Castillo de Bujalance?
The Castillo de Bujalance is a historic fortress. It stands tall in the town of Bujalance, showing off its ancient strength. Castles like this were very important for defending towns and controlling land in the past. This particular castle is a key piece of history from the time when much of Spain was under Islamic rule.
Who Built the Castle?
The castle was built in the 900s. This was during the rule of Abd-ar-Rahman III, a very important leader of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The Caliphate was a powerful Islamic state that controlled a large part of Spain (Al-Andalus) during the Middle Ages. The design of the castle shows the clever building skills of the Muslim architects and engineers of that time.
What Does the Castle Look Like?
The Castillo de Bujalance has a strong, rectangular shape. It's quite large, covering an area of about 59 meters by 51 meters. Imagine a big football field, but shaped like a rectangle! It was built with strong walls and towers to protect the people inside. The castle's original name, "tower of the snake," hints at its many towers, which were likely seven in total.
What is the Castle Used For Today?
Today, the castle is no longer used for defense. Instead, its central courtyard has become a lively cultural space. It's being carefully looked after, restored, and rebuilt so people can continue to enjoy it. During the summer, the castle hosts special events. These include the "Nights at the Citadel" Festival, which features theatre, music, and dance. There are also traditional Andalusian Dinners, making the old castle a place for fun and community.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Bujalance para niños
