The Ravaged Medieval Fortress of Orihuela Castle

Orihuela Castle, an 8th-century fortification, defiantly stands on Mount San Miguel in Orihuela, Spain. Its strategic importance was exemplified by its multiple reconstructions post-conquest.

But it was reduced to ruins by an unexpected meteorite impact in the 18th century. Additional damage was inflicted by storms and the earthquake of 1829. Now, with classification as a protected cultural heritage, its disheveled state is unsettling. In the 16th century, Juan de Mariana regarded it as the lifeline and defense of Valencia's kingdom.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons