Las Paleras Castle

Las Paleras Castle, locally known as Castillo de las Paleras, Castillo de la Mota or Castillo de las Barracas, lies next to the town of Pliego, in the province of Murcia in Spain. It lies beneath Pliego Castle.

Las Paleras Castle dates back to Moorish times, probably the 12th century. It may even not have been a real castle, but a walled settlement called La Mota, which Pliego Castle was built to defend. It was built out of rammed earth on a hill between two ravines.

Nothing is known of its history. No signs of destruction were found. So it is possible that the Moors left this site, either to found a village at the site of the present town or because they were expelled after the Christian conquest of the area.

At present the ruin of Las Paleras Castle is inaccessible due to overgrowth. But I doubt if there is much to be seen inside. So it's just nice to glance at when you visit Pliego Castle.

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