Castle History   What to See   Opening Times

Castle History
Impressive remains of the old arab castle, now known as Castillo San Miguel, dominate the Almuñécar skyline much as they have for centuries. Although originally built by the Romans in about the 1st century b.c., it was the Moors who developed the castle into an impressive fortress. Defences consisted of three separately walled precincts, 46 towers and turrets, and three main gates.

During the Middle Ages, and particularly during the later reigns of the Nasrid kings in Granada, Almuñécar's castle was used by the sultans as their beachside retreat and, more sinisterly, it's feared mazmorras, or dungeons, were used to house political prisoners of the time - basically anyone who had fallen out of grace or posed a military threat to the ruling family.

On December 30th, 1489, moslem Almuñécar capitulated to Christian forces after 25 days of fighting. It was the last town to fall before Granada, three years later. The castle was renamed after the town's new patron saint, San Miguel, and remodelling work begun under Charles V. The main entrance of four towers, drawbridge (now disappeared) and dry moat are from this era.

For the next 300 years the castle continued guarding the town, though this time the threats came more from the sea. Berber pirates roamed the waters, taking prisoners, murdering and plundering whenever they had the opportunity. Watchtowers were established to spread the news of imminent landings and, whenever possible, the castle would send out forces to repel the invaders.

See Watchtowers and Coastal Defences for descriptions, photos and details of how to visit the watchtowers along the coast.

In 1810, the castle saw its final action. During the War of Independence, Almuñécar was occupied by Napoleon's troops and the fortifications were attacked from the sea by British warships, causing a lot of damage and essentially putting the castle out of action. After the French left Spain in 1814, it fell into disuse and was finally claimed as the town's cementery for which it was used for almost 150 years.

In the early 1980's, the castle precincts were cleared before starting excavations and restoration work. The entire complex has still not been fully investigated but there's enough evidence to make out most of it's key functions over the ages. Visitors can get a map at the entrance and there's a route marked around the castle.

What to See
The entrance gateway along with four towers, drawbridge and dry moat were added to strengthen the fortress under Carlos V, shortly after it was captured by the Christians.

Passing through the gate, you can't miss the sturdy remains of the Torre de Homenaje, a tower where the Arab governor, or Caid, lived. This was later occupied by the first Christian alcaldes (mayors) who were only in charge of the castle and had little control over the town. (It's changed a bit since then...)

Following the route you'll soon come across the dungeons (basically a big hole in the ground where the prisoners were dropped) which is high spot of the tour for kids since the last residents can still be seen languishing inside. Close by is a small museum housed in what appears to be an 18th century folly unconnected to the castle. It contains a few arqueological finds and some interesting scale models of the area. In the centre of the precinct are the remains of what used to be palatial medieval apartments and a small arab baths, though there's not much to see today beyond a few foundations. And last but not least, visitors should wander up to the 16th century gun platform above the beach and enjoy the wonderful views of the coast and surrounding hills.

10.30-13.30 and 17.30-20.00 (Tuesday to Saturday)
10.30-14.00 (Sundays and Holidays)
Closed Mondays

MORE SIGHTSEEING

Aqueduct   Church (Almuñécar)   Cotobro Bridge  Loro Sexi Bird Park   Majuelo Park   Municipal Museum Statues, Monuments & Fountains    Watchtowers & Coastal Defences