CASTILLO - FORTALEZA DEL SOL

INFORMATION

Lorca's Castle, declared listed building by decree of the Spanish Ministry of Public Instructions and Fine Arts of June 3, 1931, rises crowning the city on a hill with optimal conditions of security and control over the Guadalentin Valley, encouraging the population establishment since prehistoric times.

The current appearance of the castle is the result of successive alterations and remodelings in order to adapt it to its military functions. The rests of this powerful Moorish fortification (713-1244) can be seen in some canvas of the wall known as Muro del Espaldón and beside the cistern that provides the vital needs of water.

After the capitulation of Lorca in 1244, the castle still fulfills the same military functions, marked by its boundary line with the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

During the second half of the 13th century, King Alfonso X started the building of the three towers (one of them no longer exists) that characterized the current appearance of this fortress.

The Alfonsina Tower, built on the central and highest part of the Castle¿s hill, as a tower of tribute and a symbol of the Spanish power, replaced a smaller Muslim tower. Though walls of masonry delimitate the inside formed by three floors covered with brick vaults that are supported by a big central pillar. Light comes in on the last floor through four windows which have no mullion. On the eastern side there is a little entrance gate and hollow of the alleged foundational gravestone.

The Espolón Tower rises to strengthen the western end of the Castle¿s hill. Its square floor-plan has a high façade of masonry walls pierced by the stars and essential loopholes and by an open gate to the East. It has a cistern (where there is currently a dungeon) and two floors covered with ribbed vaults.

At the beginning of the 19th century, during the Peninsular War, cannons batteries popularly known as Caballerizas and other military units such as quarters, bakeries, etc. are incorporated to the fortress.

Nowadays the Moorish fortification, known as Fortress of the Sun, has become a cultural theme area that after a process of restoration, adequacy and designed for everyone, allows anyone to visit it and offers an intensive cultural experience and leisure through its exhibitions, live historical scenes, workshops and children's play area .

PICTURES

ESTILO

Defensive Medieval architecture

ÉPOCA

13th century

USO

Theme area Lorca Workshop of Time

TIMETABLE

Monday to Sunday. 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. (enter until 6.30 h pm)

PRICE

Rate: 6 € per person + special tours