Castle of Molina de Aragón stands as one of Spain's largest surviving fortresses, dominating a hilltop commanding the surrounding valley in Guadalajara province. Fortified since Celtiberian times due to its strategic location above fertile plains near the Gallo river, the fortress originated as a 10th-11th century Moorish castle built atop earlier pre-existing Celtiberian defenses. After its capture by King Alfonso I in 1129, the fortress was reconstructed in the 12th century by Manrique de Lara, the first lord of Molina. The castle features an extensive exterior wall system with numerous towers and gates protecting an interior fortress comprising six large towers, of which four remain in good condition. Its prominence in medieval Spanish literature, including El Cid's residence during his exile, underscores its cultural and historical significance.
