castle of Castalla

Castle Castalla rises at 680 meters above sea level overlooking the valley in Alicante province, representing a multilayered fortress built between the 11th and 16th centuries. Originally constructed by the Moors in the 11th century, it was conquered by James I of Aragon and integrated into the Kingdom of Valencia. The complex comprises three distinct parts: the Palau, a three-story noble residence with corner towers and central cistern built in the 14th-15th centuries; the Bailey with Arab cistern remains from the 12th-13th centuries; and Torre Grossa, built in 1579 to defend against Berber pirate raids. Carefully restored two decades ago, the castle remains visitable and presents a comprehensive example of medieval Spanish military architecture.