Castle of Santa Àgueda facts for kids
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The Castle of Santa Àgueda is an ancient castle located in Ferreries, a town on the island of Menorca. It sits on a long, flat-topped hill called Santa Àgueda, which is 264 meters (about 866 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest points on the island! You can reach the castle by following an old Roman road. Near the castle, there used to be a small chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha.
A Look at Its History
The Castle of Santa Àgueda was built by the Arabs. They constructed it on top of an even older Roman fort. The exact year it was built is not known, but it was definitely standing before 1232.
The Last Stand
In 1287, the castle became very important. It was the last place where the Arab people of Menorca resisted when King Alfonso III of Aragon invaded the island. After this, the island was taken over.
Later Years and Ruins
About 50 years later, around 1343, King Peter IV of Aragon ordered the castle to be destroyed. Today, the Castle of Santa Àgueda is mostly in ruins.
Saving the Castle
Good news! In 2004, the local government of Menorca started a special project to protect and restore the castle. Then, on January 17, 2007, the Consell Insular de Menorca (Menorca's Island Council) bought the castle from its private owners. This was a special day because it was Menorca's National Day, celebrating the same day the island was conquered by Alfonso III of Aragon. Now, the castle belongs to everyone!
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Santa Águeda para niños
