San Juan de las Águilas Castle

San Juan de las Águilas Castle dates from the 18th century, although its origins go back to the Carthaginian period. After the expulsion of the Arabs, the castle was abandoned.

Its reconstruction was tackled at a later date but not quite successfully until King Charles I of Spain (1530) ordered, by Royas Decree, ist rebuilding with the aim of guarding the coastal strip between Vera and Mazarrón, which was threatened by Turkish and Algerian raids. The building work on this castle was tackled again in 1579, under the reing of Philip II. The Torre de las Aguilas (The Eagles Tower) was built in this period. Its last remodelling would be undertaken under Charles III (in the 18th century), who decided to extend the fortress due to the town's incresing population and the constant Berber attacks to which the port and its population were subjected.

This new remodelling turned it into one of the best fortified castles of this period.Currently, there are very few remains of the splendour of this fortress. A coat of arms, where Castile¿s lions might be represented, can still be observed in one of the preserved façades. Recent excavations have revealed underground passages in the surrounding area, which, according to popular beliefs, used to connect this castle with another fortress of the municipality, the Castle of Tébar. In addition to the fortress, also of tourist interest is the panoramic sight of the city of Aguilas that can be admired from its location.It was restored in 2007 and opened as a museum in 2009.

References:

• murciaturistica.es

Address

Aguilas, Spain

Details

Founded: 18th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain