Castillo de Alhama: A historic Islamic fortress in Murcia

Castillo de Alhama is an ancient fortress in the municipality of Alhama de Murcia, located in the region of Murcia. Built during the Islamic period and constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries, the fortification sits atop a hill overlooking the Guadalentín valley. Its strategic position was used to defend the borders of the Kingdom of Castile.

With the Treaty of Alcaraz, the Kingdom of Murcia was incorporated into the Crown of Castile, and the castle became the property of the Castilian noble Juan García de Villamayor. It served as a border articulation point between the Crown of Aragon and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. By the late 14th century, the castle and its surrounding town became part of the House of Fajardo, functioning as a seigneurial fortress until it gradually lost its military relevance following the Reconquista and the expulsion of the Moriscos in the early 17th century.

Architecturally, the complex is a Moorish construction built on a rocky hill. It features remains of walls and a prismatic keep that houses pointed arches and traces of cisterns. The site is divided into two distinct areas: one space was designated for political and military purposes, while another served as a refuge and residence for the population.

In the 21st century, the castle underwent various interventions to consolidate the remaining structures and excavate specific areas. It has been rehabilitated with government and municipal funding to allow for cultural visits. Since August 7, 1997, it has been designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons