Castles of La Villa and La Peña

Monument

Calle Primero de Mayo, 34. 0, Martos How to get

For most of the 13th century, Martos was considered the Order of Calatrava’s main stronghold against the Kingdom of Granada. Chosen by the military Order for their strategic location, the castles of La Villa and La Peña made up one of the most important defensive enclaves in Jaén province. The remains that can be visited in the town centre are the keep of the castle of La Villa, which currently houses a Visitor Centre with information on the town’s history.

Information

Schedule

  • Thursdays and Wednesdays: from 11.00 to 14.00 h.
  • Saturdays: from 11.00 to 14.00 h. and from 19.00 to 21.00 h.

Information and bookings

953700139

The tower, which houses the Cultural and Historical Visitor Centre of Martos, has been restored and can be visited by booking in advance by telephone. Visitors may also be interested in seeing the other towers built by the Order of Calatrava as part of the town’s defence system: the tower on Calle Real; Almedina tower on Almedina street; and the tower located underneath the bell tower of the church of Santa María de la Villa. The farmsteads in La Villa neighbourhood and Adarves street also boast several towers and curtain walls that belonged to the original Arab fortress.

The keep was built by the Order of Calatrava as part of the work carried out after the conquest to strengthen the fortress’ defensive system. The Order of Calatrava was aware of the town’s strategic location in the fight against the Nasrid kingdom. They turned it into their most important defensive bastion, from which they set out to conquer the nearby towns of Arjona, Torredonjimeno and Torredelcampo, and to besiege the city of Jaén.

The Arabs made several attempts to regain the stronghold of Martos, until they were finally defeated. One Arab incursion illustrates a legend about the castle of La Villa: the legend of Doña Mencía de Haro. According to tradition, the noblewoman dressed and armed her ladies in waiting because there were no male soldiers. She had the women appear on the fortress’ battlements to deter the Arabs who, when they learned that the castle was unprotected, marched to the castle to conquer it.

In addition to the urban castle, Martos has a second fortress, the castle of La Peña, on the summit of the mountain known as La Peña. It, too, was built by the Order of Calatrava in the 13th century. In this case, access to the fortification is more complicated but also tempting for lovers of adventure, for they have to ascend more than one thousand metres, following a signposted path. The walk takes around 40 minutes. Apart from visiting the remains of the fortification, the summit boasts outstanding views of most of the province. It is even said that the views are very similar to those that can be seen from an aeroplane. The visit is recommended for hikers and lovers of nature. It can be completed by following the Olive Oil Green Route, a former railway line that has been converted into a cycling and hiking thoroughfare.

Other services

Guided tours.

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