Zahara de los Atunes Castle

Zahara de los Atunes, Spain

The Castle of Zahara de los Atunes and Palace of Jadraza is a medieval castle on Spain's coast. In 1294, King Sancho IV of Castile granted a licence to Don Alonso Pérez de Guzmán to build traps for tuna fishing in reward for his heroic defense of Tarifa. Guzman fisheries in Zahara de los Atunes and Conil de la Frontera were for centuries the most productive in Europe provoking the development of important auxiliary buildings.

The Palace served three functions: as a fortified castle to protect against Barbary pirates, a residential palace during the Tuna Season and a processing plant to deal with the tuna. Its location at a strategic point of the Strait of Gibraltar has been given prominence in numerous historical events, and it maintains a continued presence in coastal mapping. In the twentieth century the building was used by the fishing industry before becoming a barracks.

Building is a square structure defined by four defensive walls with parapet surmounted with a narrow walkway. In the north-west corner is the so-called Torre de Poniente which has an inner chamber beneath a high domed roof also with a parapet. In the north-east are the remains of de la Torre de Levante. Both towers were designed as corbelled spaces to overlook the defensive curtain walls.

The main gateway is located in the west wall, the two sea gates are in the south, which originally also provided access to large patio inner enclosure of the building. In the twentieth century 'New Gate' was added in the north wall, where there are also various other piercings introduced for practical reasons as the use of the building developed over time.

The factory is made of regular masonry blocks with lime grout and pebbles. The corners boast reinforced stonework. The three original stone doors were of generous proportions with arches and keystones . At the sea gates, two separate buttresses of considerable thickness are arranged inward to reinforce them in their defensive mission.

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Details

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

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ana Belén (2 years ago)
We have been coming to this hostel for three years. Clean room, very friendly treatment. Good value for money. To add a but, in the bathroom of our room there is a shower tray with a curtain and every time you use it all the water comes out. The reception has direct access to the best cafeteria in town for family breakfast. It is very well located with all the main streets around it and close to the beach. Highly recommended.
ADG (2 years ago)
Good location but the room smelled bad and every time we called to confirm they told us a different price
Faith Steed (3 years ago)
Last minute booking, they happily accepted our dog (a dog, not a 5kg handbag statement symbol), unlike a number of other hotels in the area, who say pet friendly, but only if it is a toy pet. Yes, it is a two star hostel, and I don't have much experience of hostels and what stipulates their star ratings. But this place was spotlessly clean and the staff were all smiles and on point for the little interaction we had. They freely offered to "be there/open" at whatever time we arrived, asking just 15 minutes notice. The shower was adequate, the bed comfortable. It is in the centre of town, so not quiet, but you go with the flow - and the great atmosphere in the town - if you want the convenience of parking your car up and forgetting it and relaxing, eating, drinking, and sauntering back to your digs this is ideal.
M.Carmen Llobregat (4 years ago)
The exceptional place in the center, we were looking for something central just to sleep and we could not choose a better place. Both Lola and her partner are charming without forgetting Angustias (my personal guide?) And what about the breakfasts in the cafeteria below??? a delicacy and I must also point out the kindness. Without a doubt, next year we will be back there. An Asturian in love with ZAHARA
Carmen María Guadix Gamiz (4 years ago)
Clean, central place with a super nice staff and close and familiar treatment, a ten for them!
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