Castillo de los Vélez was built in 1524 on the ruins of an older castle from which some remains are visible. The castle was ordered by Mister Pedro Fajardo (Marquis of Vélez) to Luis Fajardo to ensure submission of the town of Mula, which was up in arms against the Marquis. This castle of Renaissance style and simple lines was created as a defense structure.
The castle, built on a rocky outcrop, has one single nave with vault, a tribute tower, a tanks and an annex. Inside there is little decoration, with rough, functional lines. The only ornamental pieces are eight shields of the Fajardo and Silva families. There are beautiful views of the Mula river from the North side and of the entire town from the lower terrace. The tribute tower was accessed via a rising footbridge later replaced by a fixed bridge. In case of invasion, the soldiers went to the tower, where a tank ensured water supply.
From the high part of the town, where the Royal Encarnación Monastery is located, the Albacar trail leads to the Castle. You can also go by car taking the road to Caravaca. Right after exiting the town, there are indications for the castle. Follow them all the way to the Castle base.
References:The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.