San Miguel Castle

Almuñécar, Spain

Castillo de San Miguel is located in Almuñécar and is bounded by the remains of the original city walls. The castle sits on a small hill, which is difficult to access. The original fortifications date of 1st century BCE. During the Moorish occupation, the castle was enlarged to include towers and three gates.

At the end of the reign of the Catholic King Ferdinand in the 16th century, more was added (the moat, the drawbridge and the front entrance with its four round towers).  During the war of independence against the French, it suffered the bombing of the British troops. The ruins later became used as a Christian cemetery. The keep, which was on the inside, is demolished. There is a small museum within the castle grounds.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Igor Fabjan (3 years ago)
Nice restored castle wqith interesting exhibitions and great views. Also the path to the castle is scenic. Not to mention very atentive personnel.
Maurice Linnenbank (3 years ago)
Nice view of the beach. And a bit of Fuengirola. Cool to go in when you walk past. Inside the castle is just a open area and a few stairs to walk up the walls. Nothing special inside.
Éric Lacroix (3 years ago)
The visit of the Castel (same ticket with the Museum) is a must to understand some history of Almuñécar. The distinction between the Romans and the Arabs, the changes of the coastline and activities in the town, etc. The best time is the sunset, so better come before 7:00 P.M. After or before the visit, go to the museum, walk in the barrio St Miguel, go to the plaza de la Constitution and around, Casa de la Cultura, etc. Enjoy the good food and the village,
Pedro de Pedra (3 years ago)
Steep climb from the beach and centre. Castle itself nice, but more because of location, but centre surroundings and rest of Almuñecar quite disappointing in style and beauty.
Antti Ketola (4 years ago)
A coastal fortress that has been restored with care and with explanations in Spanish and English. There's also exhibition.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.