The abandoned fortress of De'nsa: a ruined Muslim fortress that was conquered

The abandoned fortress of De'nsa: a ruined Muslim fortress that was conquered

Standing on a hill above Valencia, this ruined Muslim fortress started life as a base for King James I’s army. Today it is abandoned, and the myth of a rat-tailed rat that scared James I before the conquest is the only sign of life.

De’nsa, also known as Puig de De’nsa by Christians, was a Muslim fortress built by the Arabs and named Jubal·la. The fortress served as the base for King James I's army during the conquest of Valencia in 1237. It was located on a hill named Muntanya del Castell. The myth of the rat-tailed rat that visited James I before the conquest is said to have originated here as an augury of victory. The castle provided protection for the north access of the city of Valencia. Abundant ceramic remains from Iberian culture have been found at the castle, and from Roman times, important findings have been made that suggest a relatively important status for the whole area. Today, the castle lies abandoned, with little left of the original structure. Preserved different towers and auxiliary constructions.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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