Burgalimar Castle, located in Baños de la Encina, in the Spanish province of Jaén, is considered by National Geographic Traveler and the blog España Fascinante to be one of the oldest castles in Spain still standing and one of the best preserved in Europe. The fortress, built during the Caliphate of Córdoba in the 10th century, is notable for retaining much of its original structure and for a history spanning over a thousand years.
The fortress was built during the reign of Caliph Al-Hakam II, around 967-968, according to the two publications. This date is supported by an inscription that was originally located on the fortress gate and is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid.
Its name comes from the Arabic Bury al-Hamma, an expression that can be translated as "Castle of Baths".
Although it is now primarily recognized for its defensive function, its earliest uses were linked to the movement of Muslim troops north into Al-Andalus. The fortress served as a base for armies marching towards Gormaz Castle and carrying out raids against Christian territories.
A hill occupied since long before
The history of the site predates even the construction of the medieval fortress. According to Fascinating Spain, the hill where Burgalimar is located displays vestiges from different historical periods.
The surrounding area has yielded remains related to the Copper Age, the El Argar culture, Iberian settlements, and the Roman presence. This makes the site a place where different stages of the Iberian Peninsula's history overlap.
The Muslim construction took full advantage of the strategic conditions of the terrain. From the top of the hill, the complex overlooks Baños de la Encina and a large area of the surrounding countryside.
A large structure
Burgalimar Castle has an elongated, oval shape. According to Fascinating Spain, it is approximately 100 meters long and almost 50 meters wide.
Its towers are distributed around the perimeter and form one of the fortress's most distinctive features. The complex retains its original structures and later incorporated other buildings during the Christian era.
Despite its stony appearance, much of the fortress was built using rammed earth, a construction technique based on compacted earth and lime that allowed for the creation of large and resistant walls.
The site also has several entrances, including one to the south, characterized by an arch in the Caliphate tradition. Inside, features such as a cistern and remains of later constructions are preserved.
From medieval struggles to Christian dominance
Following the fragmentation of the Caliphate of Cordoba and the emergence of the Taifa kingdoms, Burgalimar acquired an increasingly defensive function and became involved in the clashes between Muslims and Christians.
The fortress changed hands several times until Ferdinand III of Castile finally conquered it in 1225. Subsequently, the monarch ceded the site to the Archbishop of Toledo, Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada, while its defense was linked to the Order of Santiago.
During this period, the castle came to play a strategic role in access to Andalusia.
The fortress of the seven kings
The castle's connection with different monarchs gave rise to the nickname "the fortress of the seven kings".
The name refers to Alfonso VII, Alfonso VIII, Alfonso IX, Pedro II, Sancho VII, Fernando III and Fernando el Católico, who were linked to the site during the Christian era.
In subsequent centuries, the fortress continued to undergo modifications. In the 14th century, a fortified area was incorporated within the enclosure, and later, the Keep was erected.
The Keep changed its silhouette
One of the most visible transformations occurred in the mid-15th century, when the Keep was built at one end of the enclosure.
The new structure broke the uniformity of the Muslim fortress and created a space with a Christian character within the old Caliphate enclosure. In addition to its defensive function, the tower represented the power of the lord who ruled the territory.
He survived several conflicts
Burgalimar Castle also survived subsequent periods of war without suffering significant destruction. Fascinating Spain highlights that even during the Spanish War of Independence, the fortress managed to survive.
Its historical value led to its being declared a National Monument, a protection that helped to preserve the complex and highlight its heritage importance.
The European Union also recognized its ancient character, allowing the castle to display the European flag, a distinction that, according to the cited publications, it shares with the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
A tourist attraction in Jaén
Today, Burgalimar is one of the main historical attractions of Baños de la Encina. The castle welcomes visitors through tours that allow them to explore its walls, towers, entrances, and interior spaces.
Its location also makes it a starting point for exploring other destinations in the province of Jaén, including Bailén, Linares, Baeza, Úbeda and Andújar, as well as natural areas such as Sierra Morena and Despeñaperros.
More than ten centuries after its construction, the walls of Burgalimar Castle continue to dominate the landscape of Baños de la Encina, as a testament to the military architecture of the Caliphate of Cordoba and the various civilizations that left their mark on this territory.
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