Castle of Baños de la Encina

Cerro del Cueto. Plaza de Santa María, 1. 0, Baños de la Encina How to get

This is one of the best-preserved castles in all al-Andalus. Its solid tabiyya walls, made of dry mud rich in lime, are the best example of al-Andalus military architecture of all Europe. Throughout history, the castle has served as a shelter for warriors, a home to royalty, a parish cemetery and even a film set for El Capitán Trueno and El Santo Grial. Undoubtedly, it is one of the tour’s castles that makes an impression in a unique setting.

Information

Schedule

MORNING SCHEDULE: All year round. Closed on December 25 and January 1.
Monday to Friday: 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 12:45 h.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10.30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:45 p.m. and 13:30 h.

AFTERNOON SCHEDULE: from September 16 to October 31:
Wednesday: from 4:30 p.m. at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 5:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 18:45 h.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 4:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 19:30 h.
From November 1 to March 31:
Wednesday: from 4:30 p.m. at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 5:15 p.m. and 18:00 h.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 4.30pm, 5.15pm. and 18:00 h.
From April 1 to June 15:
Wednesday: from 4:30 p.m. at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 5:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 18:45 h.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 4:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 19:30 h.

Check summer hours on our website: www.bdelaencinaturismo.com

The fortification is located in the old quarter of Baños de la Encina, which was declared a Heritage Site in 1969. The town has other important monuments, such as the church of San Mateo, the chapel of Cristo del Llano – a crown jewel of the Andalusian Baroque period – and the stately homes that transport visitors back to centuries past.

As soon as you go through the horseshoe arch of the entrance, you can imagine what life must have been like in the fortified castle more than eight centuries ago. The latest archaeological excavations enable visitors to walk along the fortification’s streets, enter the buildings, courtyards and storage rooms, and discover the well in the bailey that supplied water to the inhabitants.

The castle was built in the Almohad period. According to the most recent Carbon-14 dating, building started in 1120-1230, using the rammed earth technique and the outstanding location afforded by the hill known as Cerro del Cueto. However, occupation of the site dates back to prehistoric times. The oldest archaeological remains that have been found testify to human presence in this spot since at least 3500 BCE. The ruins of a Roman temple or funeral monument have also been found, of which a stairway and three capitals remain.

With the passing of time and the evolution of history, activity in the castle decreased and with it, life within its walls. It is merely anecdotal that one of the last uses given to the castle was to serve as the town cemetery until well into the 20th century.

From afar, the sober majesty of the castle’s ochre walls is very impressive. They are dotted with fifteen towers, including the keep. The keep, taller than the other towers, was one of the main additions to the castle after the Castilian conquest in 1225. It houses another curious aspect of the fortress. Contrary to similar fortifications, the keep does not face outwards, toward the countryside, but inwards, toward the peasant population, indicating that it is a seigniorial construction and a reflection of the power of the feudal lords. Another distinctive feature is that the outer face of the tower is round, although the base is square. The reason is simple and logical. At the time when the keep was built, artillery was becoming widespread and it is well known that sharp corners are more vulnerable to gunpowder.

Other services

  • Guided tours
  • Large car park for vehicles of all types