This pretty medieval town has the best-preserved castle in Spain: one of those you have to visit before you die

Between the towns of Guarromán and Bailén, in the north of the province of Jaén, is the Castle of Burgalimar. Although it is also known as “the fortress of the seven kings” because up to seven great Spanish kings have inhabited it. It is a beautiful and majestic defensive construction that holds the title of oldest castle in Spain and second oldest in Europe. In addition, it is considered one of the best preserved castles in the world and the best preserved in the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Built with reddish mud (material commonly used in Arab constructions) on a small elliptical-shaped hill in the 10th century by the Cordovan caliph al-Hakam, it was in the midst of continuous battles between Muslims and Christians due to its strategic location in a place of access to what is now Andalusia. In fact, even much later it fell under the control of French troops, who seized the castle during the Napoleonic invasion,

Its architectural and historical value have made it currently declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and has become the main tourist attraction in Baths of the Oakthe town on which this fairytale castle stands.

It is accompanied by a robust wall composed of 14 quadrangular towers of identical height, in addition to the homage tower or fat battlement that is rounded and that was added by the Christians in the 15th century. The rest, as can be imagined, is in the Caliphate style.

However, what is most impressive is that, despite the passage of centuries, this fortress almost no damagelater serving as a refuge for warriors, as a royal residence, parish cemetery and even as a set for films such as Captain Thunder and The Holy Grail.

Another very attractive aspect is that access to the venue is very cheap and it costs only 4.50 euros. However, this is not the only attraction of Baños de la Encina. The church of San Mateo, the hermitage of Cristo del Llano or the narrow and stately houses of the town make it a place with a lot, but a lot of charm.

Cover photo | @bdelaencinaturismo

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This pretty medieval town has the best-preserved castle in Spain: one of those you have to visit before you die

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by Maria Yuste.