Castle of the Calatravos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle of the Calatravos |
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Castillo de los Calatravos
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| Alternative names | Parador de Alcañiz |
| Hotel chain | Paradores |
| General information | |
| Status | Active |
| Type | Castle |
| Town or city | Alcañiz (Teruel) |
| Country | Spain |
| Official name: Castillo Interior o Alcázar | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 25 June 1925 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000312 |
The Castle of the Calatravos is a very old and important castle located in Alcañiz, a town in Spain. It once belonged to a special group of knights called the Order of Calatrava. This castle has a long history, with some parts being built way back in the 1100s and 1200s.
Today, the castle is not just a historical site. Since 1968, it has been a fancy hotel called a Parador. It was designed by a Spanish architect named José Luis Picardo.
Contents
A Castle with a Long History
The Castle of the Calatravos played a big part in the history of Alcañiz.
The Knights of Calatrava
The Order of Calatrava was a group of warrior monks. They were very important in taking back the town of Alcañiz in 1157. This event was part of a larger historical period called the Reconquista, where Christian kingdoms slowly took back land from Muslim rule in Spain.
The oldest parts of the castle, like some of its rooms, were built during the 12th and 13th centuries. This was when the Order of Calatrava was actively using the castle.
Changing Styles Over Time
Over the years, the castle changed its look.
- Mudéjar Art: In the 14th and 15th centuries, some beautiful decorations were added. These decorations are in a style called Mudéjar. This style mixes Christian and Islamic art, creating unique patterns and designs. These were added to the castle itself and to the walls around it.
- Renaissance Look: Later, in the 18th century, the main front part of the castle was changed. It was given a late-Renaissance style. This style often includes grand, balanced designs, like those seen in ancient Roman and Greek buildings.
The Castle Today
Today, the Castle of the Calatravos is a special place where history meets modern comfort.
A Unique Hotel
Since 1968, the castle has been home to a Parador hotel. Paradores are a chain of hotels in Spain that are often located in historic buildings like castles, monasteries, or palaces. Staying in a Parador lets visitors experience history while enjoying modern comforts.
The castle's transformation into a hotel means that people can now stay inside this ancient building. They can explore its old rooms and see the different architectural styles that have been added over hundreds of years.
Gallery
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Palacio de los Comendadores façade.
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Cloister.
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Romanesque entrance.
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Juan de Lanuza tomb.
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Palacio de los Comendadores entrance.
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Interior.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de los Calatravos para niños
