Aledo Castle

Aledo Castle, locally known as Castillo de Aledo, lies in a small town of the same name in the province of Murcia in Spain.

Aledo Castle was first built by the Almoravids during the 11th century. This Moorish castle was built on a promontory in the southern foothills of the Sierra Espuña, rising 125 meters above the Guadalentin valley.

In 1088, the Castilian nobleman García Giménez took the castle, exploiting the Muslim confusion after the fall of Toledo in 1085. This prompted an intervention by the Almoravid caliph. After three unsuccessful sieges the Castilians still abandoned the castle, because of difficulties in maintaining its defense, and the castle fell into the hands of the Almoravids again.

In the late 13th century Aledo was conquered by the Christians again. They then rebuilt the castle. The 20 meters high, square keep that remains today, dates back to that time. The rest of the castle, its curtain walls and towers, have disappeared.

At present Aledo Castle can be visited for a fee. From atop the keep you have a great view over the surrounding countryside. A very nice keep in a sleepy little town.

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