Sohail Castle, Fuengirola, Spain

Sohail Castle was built in AD 956 by Abd-ar-Rahman III to strengthen the coastal defenses. Later, in the 12th century, the Almoravids raised a defensive enclosure with an irregular floor plan, adapted to the slopes of the terrain.

In 1485 the Castillo de Sohail was occupied by the Christian armies battling against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. From that time the military complex underwent an inevitable process of architectural reformation which led over time to its current appearance.

Shortly after the castle lost its military function and was disposed of by public auction. The change to civilian hands initiated a period of neglect which was only interrupted in the second half of the 20th century.

In 2000 the Town of Fuengirola renovated the ruins of the castle turning it into a tourist attraction and functioning space used for concerts and other festivals. Excavated stone ruins on public display at the western base of the hill on which the castle sits are dated back to before the Roman Republic occupied Fuengirola at least 300 BC.

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User Reviews

caroline sice (6 months ago)
It's one of my favourite concert venues. It's amazing to be inside the Castle. It's possible to get up close to the stage without feeling squashed.

Marc W (11 months ago)
Nice place to have a little walk around. Not that much to see, but it does have a nice view out over the sea. No entry fee either.

Philip Short (11 months ago)
To the Spanish lady walking up the side of sohail in front of me. I finally met her walking around the side of the castle , what a lovely woman she was, we talked in English and Spanish all the way down to her car. If you see this from this morning the 15th ( my late mother's birthday) it was a great honour to meet you , best wishes hope we meet again on our morning walking.

Benjamin L (12 months ago)
100% worth going! This is a free attraction in an amazing setting. Climb the hill (there is a road for handicap accesss). See a beautiful castle/fort with a view over the city and the sea. Parking at the bottom of the hill right off the highway is only 1 EURO per day! and the place is a short walk into the city as well as directly down to the beach!

Adam Granicz (13 months ago)
With stunning views over the city and the beach, this fortress is a pure gem, the rich history is everywhere inside and outside. Parking is easy and entrance is free, and the surrounding trees are full of green parrots.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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