CASTLES MARTOS

Torre Almedina is a 13th-century tower constructed by the Calatravos monastic order in Martos, Jaén, rising approximately 25 meters and built in solid ashlar masonry. This fortress tower is part of the Lower Fortress (Fortaleza Baja) and underwent comprehensive restoration with an investment of 800,000 euros, including wall repairs, vault consolidation, and historical reconstruction of battlements. Now restored to prominence after nearly a millennium, it serves as a major tourist attraction and cultural venue in the heart of Martos's historic center, reflecting the region's medieval military heritage.

Castillo de la Peña stands majestically atop a high hill dominating Martos in Jaén's Sierra Sur region. Built in the 14th century by the Order of Calatrava, it stands over centuries of fortifications dating to Roman and Iberian times, originally known as the ancient city of Tucci. The fortress features a trapezoidal plan with a dramatic winding approach from the south, designed to hinder intruders. Ruins of gate towers, circular and square towers, a moat, and cistern remain visible, though mostly collapsed. Declared a historic monument in 1985, this multi-layered site reveals the peninsula's rich defensive history and rewards visitors with commanding views across the surrounding landscape.

Castillo de la Villa, also known as Fortaleza Baja, is an urban castle in Martos, Jaén, situated on a rocky hill with occupation dating to prehistoric times. The fortress occupies the site of the Ibero-Roman acropolis of Tucci, later converted into an Islamic fortification (hisn), and finally into a medieval Christian castle. Built with support from the Order of Calatrava as a key defense against the Kingdom of Granada, the castle features a 13th-century keep and the imposing Almedina Tower with a square floorplan spanning three superimposed floors and a basement. Declared a Historic Monument in 1985, the castle's remains offer spectacular views across the city of Martos from the keep. Currently undergoing recovery efforts, the fortress represents continuous occupation and strategic importance across multiple civilizations, from Roman times through the medieval period.

Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras is a 9th-century fortification in Martos, Jaén, positioned strategically on a rocky promontory near the Víboras River and an adjacent hydroelectric dam. The castle's name derives from the Arabic "Bib-Bora" meaning "Door of Bora," referencing an ancient Turdetan city. Belonging to the Order of Calatrava from 1228, it formed part of a dense defensive network protecting and controlling the vital border zone between Muslim and Christian territories until the conquest of Alcalá la Real in 1311. The fortress features a large square tower with rounded corners at its highest point, built directly on rock with two floors and a terrace, defended on the south by protective walls while northern cliffs provided natural fortification. Abandoned since the 16th century, it remains a designated Cultural Interest Monument.