Castillo de Ayora

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Multimedia Gallery

Multimedia Gallery

Ayora has got plenty of impressive sights to visit, not least, its castle.

Constructed by the Muslims, Castillo de Ayora was fully rebuilt between the years 1239 and 1243. In the wake of a treaty, the fortress belonged to Castile for almost forty years, before it returned to the hands of the Kingdom of Aragon in 1281.

The castle has a square keep where you can still see some remains of the original Muslim construction. There are two baileys, one of which is paved with pebbles in a geometric pattern. The second is much smaller and is thought to have been the patio of the old palace and fortress belonging to an Aragon noble woman, Mencía de Mendoza, the marquise of Zenete. It was she who undertook various restoration works to improve the castle’s structure. The curtain wall has two entrance points.

Castillo de Ayora is well worth a visit during your time in the town even though it was gravely damaged following battles, particularly that of 1707 and the French occupation in 1812. The fortress is just one of many sights to see in Ayora. Once you’ve travelled back in time here, you can continue your exploration of the area at Tortosilla rock shelter and Castellar de Meca, an Iberian settlement where you can learn about the first people who chose to live in the area. You could also tour the local chapels and go hiking in the surrounding scenery.

Ayora has got a great deal to offer. Make it the destination of your next getaway.