The Castillo de Orihuela was once considered a key and defense of Valencia. It was built to be impregnable, sitting on the Monte de San Miguel at an altitude of 240 metres. For centuries, various monarchs assigned funds for its maintenance as it served as a vital fortification.
Its reputation for being invincible was consolidated during the 14th century, when it took twelve years of siege to be taken. Chronicles of that time narrate that the surrender came not from an assault, but from a lack of food for the inhabitants, who reportedly even had to resort to cannibalism.
Originally built in seven circles - with the highest reserved for high-ranking military officers - the structure still shows large stretches of its walls and remains of some towers. However, a large explosion caused by a lightning strike on the gunpowder magazine in the early 18th century destroyed most of the castle, and the earthquake of 1829 caused further irreparable damage to the remaining parts.
Today, the site is in a state of ruin. It was declared Historical Ruins on June 3, 1931, yet its degradation is continuous. Weather conditions, the passage of time, and human action have contributed to an alarming state of conservation. Visitors can reach the site by car only as far as the diocesan seminary, followed by a climb up the mountain.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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