Sohail Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sohail Castle |
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Castillo Sohail
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The Sohail Castle
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| General information | |
| Location | Fuengirola, Spain |
| Coordinates | 36°31′30″N 4°37′44″W / 36.525°N 4.629°W |
Sohail Castle (Spanish: Castillo Sohail) is a famous castle in Fuengirola, Spain. It is an old fortress located right on the coast of Fuengirola. This town is part of the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
The castle sits on top of a hill. From here, it looks out over the Mediterranean Sea. This high spot was perfect for watching over the area. Over many years, the castle has been part of important historical events. Today, it is a popular place for tourists. It also hosts many fun cultural events.
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A Look Back: Castle History
The story of Sohail Castle began a very long time ago. People from ancient groups like the Phoenicians and Romans lived here. They built early settlements in this area.
The castle you see today was mostly built in the 900s. The Moors built it. They were people from North Africa who ruled southern Spain back then. In 956, a ruler named Abd-ar-Rahman III ordered a small fort to be built here. This was to make the coast stronger against attacks.
The castle was very important for defending the area. This was during the time of Muslim rule, known as Al-Andalus. The castle saw many battles and sieges (when an army surrounds a place to take it).
Later, in the late 1400s, Christian armies took back Spain. This was called the Reconquista. The Catholic Monarchs then took over the castle. It became a key part of Spain's coastal defenses.
In the 1700s, the castle was partly destroyed during a war. But it was rebuilt and made even stronger in the 1800s. This was to protect against French invasions. In the early 1900s, the castle was no longer used by the military. It then started to fall apart.
What the Castle Looks Like
Sohail Castle has a strong, square shape. It has four towers at its corners. Walls connect these towers. The castle is mostly made of limestone rock. It mixes styles from both Moorish and Christian builders.
A special part is the keep. This is the main, tallest tower. It was used as a watchtower. It also offered a safe place during attacks. The castle also has two layers of defensive walls around it.
The main way to get into the castle is through a horseshoe-shaped archway. This is a common design in Islamic buildings. Inside, you can explore different rooms and courtyards. These areas were once living spaces, storage rooms, or defense spots.
Bringing the Castle Back to Life
In the late 1900s, the local government of Fuengirola decided to fix up Sohail Castle. They started a big project to save and improve it. The goal was to respect its history. But they also wanted to make it useful for today.
Now, Sohail Castle is a place for culture. It hosts many events. You can go to concerts, plays, and art shows there. The castle's amazing location and views of the Mediterranean Sea make it very popular. It is a big part of Fuengirola's history and culture.
Come Visit Sohail Castle!
Sohail Castle is open to everyone all year. It stays open longer during the summer. You can take a guided tour. These tours teach you about the castle's history and how it was built. Or, you can walk around on your own. There are information signs to help you learn.
At the bottom of the hill, there is a visitor center. It has a small museum and a gift shop. There is also a café. The park around the castle has nice walking paths. You can also find picnic areas. And you get amazing views of the coastline!
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Sohail para niños
- Battle of Fuengirola
- Mare Nostrum Fuengirola
