Castillo del Trovador Macías rises in Arjonilla in Jaén's Andalusian province, combining an 8th-century Arab foundation with a distinctive 13th-century tower keep. Built initially by Almohad forces, the fortress was conquered by Ferdinand III's armies in 1244 and subsequently entrusted to the Order of Calatrava, which undertook major remodeling and expanded construction through the 15th century. The castle gained legendary prominence as the setting of tragic medieval romance—the young musician Macías' ill-fated love for married Elvira, inspiring subsequent literary works including compositions by Lope de Vega and Mariano José de Larra. Though largely in ruins today with only the tower and wall sections surviving, the castle remains a Site of Cultural Interest, preserving both medieval military architecture and romantic literary heritage.
