La Guardia de Jaén Castle, La Guardia de Jaén, Spain

La Guardia castle dominates the whole village and a big area over the valley of river Guadalbullón. It is an important strategic passage that made La Guardia and its castle one of the most important cities of the area in the 11th century.

The castle´s base is an irregular triangle and it is divided into two individual areas: the alcazar and the alcazaba.

On the northeast corner of the enclosure, we can find the Alcázar built in the 15th century and refurbished and adorned on the 16th century. It is guarded by four different towers: one Muslim rounded tower, two squared towers and the keep which has a square base and rises 35 meters in height.

The fortified Alcazaba enclosure was built during the 13th century. Towers to defend the Alcazaba were unnecessary due to its zig-zag outline. The main fortress entrance was through an enormous late Gothic door built during the 16th century.

History

La Guardia, formerly the Roman Mentesa Bastia, was built over an Iberian Oppidum. During the Muslim period, it was called Mantisa and it was capital of and one of the oldest cities in Cora de Yayyan.

In 1244, La Guardia was conquered by Ferdinand III before the conquest of Jaén. As a consequence of el Pacto de Jaén, La Guardia became a strategic castle and for two and a half centuries guarded Jaén against a Nasrid occupation through the Guadalbullón basin.

La Guardia Castle was witness to many wars: In 1425 was a battle during which the Archbishop don Gonzalo was captured. In 1460, during a Muslim incursion, the Condestable of Jaén, Miguel Lucas de Iranzo was arrested.

During the late 15th century, when the Nasrid Reign and threat was over, La Guardia Castle was deeply modified losing its strategic military function and becoming a palace for the Mexía family.

In 1812, the castle was still habitable and was occupied by Napoleonic troops which set on fire and destroyed the fortress on their retreat.

References:

castillosyfortalezasdejaen.com

User Reviews

Javier ST (2 years ago)
It was closed although on Maps it said it didn't close on Sunday. From the outside it looks quite dilapidated and, of course, it does not seem like it is one of the largest in Europe, on the contrary, it looks more like a small castle belonging to some feudal lord of little power. At least, since there were no people, we were able to park nearby.

Ricardo Ruiz Nicás (3 years ago)
Cool. An excellent state of conservation and continuous municipal interventions for maintenance and enhancement. Guided tours can be arranged by calling the Town Hall. The enclave is impressive. The visit can be completed with a tour of other monuments of the town of artistic and historical interest. Highly recommended.

José Miguel Jiménez (3 years ago)
The castle has been recently restored. It is open the first weekend of each month, but it can be visited every day by arranging a guided tour with the La Guardia Town Hall.

francisco jose castillo castillo (3 years ago)
Now there is a very nice girl who explains something about the castle to you and if she can, she teaches you why she is alone. The castle as a whole is very beautiful and I hope they keep looking for more remains

pepa bero (3 years ago)
Located on the Cerro de San Marcos, what is called La Guardia Castle, in reality, is a Alcazaba whose interior is the Alcázar or Castle, renovated to become a palatial residence by the Messia family, and the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria. Next to the access door to the Alcazaba is an Iberian archaeological site. The walled enclosure (Alcazaba) is very large, due to the strategic position it occupied at the time. In the Alcázar or Castle we find 4 towers (circular, square, rectangular and homage), a cistern and rooms used as a warehouse, cellar or kitchens. The views from any of the towers are spectacular. It is a small but charming venue. In the ruins of the church of Santa María, the bell tower, the apse and the crypt stand out. A must-see place that you can see through the free guided tours organized by the town hall.

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La Guardia de Jaén Castle

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