Europe is full of magnificent buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and earlier. Some people believe the best castles are in Italy, while others prefer the ones in France. Personally, I think that most impressive and notable castles, which truly reflect the heart of that era, are found in Spain. Not in vain; when filmmakers make movies that take place in the Middle Ages, they choose Spain as the main location, mainly the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
One such castle worth mentioning is Monteagudo Castle, a silent watchman atop a rocky mountain in the dry valley of Murcia. In the following lines, I will break down the main aspects of this bastion so that you can try to visit it on your next trip to the region.
Table of Contents:
- Castillo de Monteagudo | Meet this Medieval Stronghold in Murcia
- What Is Castillo de Monteagudo?
- Castillo de Monteagudo History
- Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!
- The Castillo de Monteagudo, the Roman Stronghold You Must Visit in Murcia
What Is Castillo de Monteagudo?
The Monteagudo Castle, also known as Monteagudo Castle in English, is an ancient structure over a thousand years old, overlooking the small, sparsely populated town of Monteagudo, located north of the city of Murcia.
Monteagudo Castle is located on a rocky mountain next to the town of the same name. This location was perfect for keeping the region safe by observing enemies from a distance and controlling the territory.
Castillo de Monteagudo Location
Monteagudo Castle, or Monteagudo Castle, is located five kilometers from the center of Murcia, especially to the northeast of the settlement. It is also eight kilometers from the city of Orihuela, a town and municipality in the Alicante region.
How to Get the Castillo de Monteagudo, Murcia?
You can easily reach Monteagudo Castle since it has at its feet the “old road of Monteagudo,” an old crossroads that joins two important communication routes: the roads of Alicante and Castilla. Coming from Alicante to Murcia, you can reach this medieval structure by car, taking these national routes.
Murcia International Airport is ten kilometers from the center of Murcia and fifteen kilometers from the castle. If you plan to visit the castle by plane, you can do so directly from there.
Alicante airport is also a good alternative, but it is a little far from the castle (50 kilometers) and in another province. Still, it is a good alternative since this airport receives flights from England, all of Spain and other European countries.
The Architecture of the Castillo de Monteagudo
Monteagudo Castle consists of two concentric walled structures at different levels. Both structures are embedded in the ground, building a great fortress that reflects strength and presence.
The upper section of the castle is a rectangular structure measuring 50 meters x 25 meters. It consists of two sections:
- The main plaza to the north
- A series of weapons rooms to the south
- The entrance to the building to the north
This upper building has five towers that serve as security structures and keep the area under surveillance.
The lower section is very similar to the upper one. It is in the northeast of the hill. This upper body also has several towers that fortify the entire building, offering the fortress’s impregnability.
Constructors used a high-quality mortar wall to build the general building, highlighting the use of brick in some parts where the structure needed it.
Castillo de Monteagudo History
The date of construction of Monteagudo Castle is not clear. No historical document speaks of its construction, but a first reference dates back to 1078-1079, when Abu Abderramen Ibn Tahir, king of Murcia, was deposed and imprisoned in the medieval structure.
Everything seems to indicate that the castle is Arab. Although its architecture points to the Romanesque style, we cannot be sure of its true builders.
Despite the passage of time, Monteagudo Castle has endured, having been completely rebuilt and renovated. After the Christian conquest of Murcia, it served as the royal residence of Alfonso X, King of Castile and León. Over the years, ownership of the castle changed hands several times, eventually transforming it into a stronghold to defend the region against Moorish attacks.
The Christ in the Top of the Castillo de Monteagudo
This sculpture, designed in 1951 by Nicolás Martínez, replaced an old sculpture complex completed in 1926 by Anastasio Martínez Hernández. Today, this large sculpture is a landmark in the landscape of the Murcian countryside, a watchman watching over the city of Murcia and the entire surrounding countryside.
El Cristo, in particular, was founded in 1926 and rebuilt in 1951 after the Spanish Civil War. This first sculpture featured two figures of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Francis Xavier, two praying Indians and a relief of Saint Mary.
The Monteagudo Interpretation Center
This center is at the foot of the Monteagudo mountain. It offers interesting tours explaining the five thousand years of history of the Monteagudo area and the people who have resided here. The center has archaeological remains from the Argoric, Iberian, Roman, and Arab periods of the region, making it a must-see place.
Address: Plaza de la Iglesia 1, 30160 Monteagudo, Murcia.
Phone: +34 968 851 910
Email: centrovisitantesmonteagudo@ayto-murcia.es
Website: https://www.turismodemurcia.es/es/centro-de-visitantes-de-monteagudo
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The Castillo de Monteagudo, the Roman Stronghold You Must Visit in Murcia
Few castles in the world remain for centuries on top of an impressive and strong hill. The Castle or Monteagudo is one of them, which brings us a piece of medieval history and the wars between Christians and Moors for control of the Iberian Peninsula.
In the distance, the Monteagudo castle seems like an eternal watchman watching over the region and the horizon. It is a spectacular and recommended structure that you should not miss on your next trip to Murcia.
Whether you are visiting the area to see the region’s magnificent beaches or taste the incredible Spanish Mediterranean cuisine, Monteagudo Castle should be your must-see destination. A pinch of culture never hurts anyone!