Castle of Jimena de la Frontera

The Castillo de Jimena de la Frontera was a medieval Arab castle in Jimena de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz in Spain. The Castillo is classified as Bien of Interest Cultural since 1931. The ruins can be visited.

History

The plant was built in the 5th century in the 8th century as a guard at the former border area over the ruins of a previous building from the old Roman town of Oba.

The plant was taken in 1430 by Jerez de la Frontera and 1454 recaptured from the Arabs. 1456 Castillo de Jimena was conquered by Christian forces under Henry IV. In 1471 it was bought by Enrique de Guzman, Duke of Medina -Sidonia.

Construction

The entire complex is surrounded by an irregular adapted to the terrain wall that was provided with watchtowers. What is striking is the so-called Torre do Relógio ( clock tower ), which forms the entrance with its round arch. In its masonry remains are preserved Roman building blocks.

In the western part of the castle is the " bath of the Moorish Queen ," a font from a Mozarabic church on this site, which is partially carved into the rock. Close to several grave niches were found that were also part of a simple Mozarabic church.

The main castle was in the southern part of the plant. It is dominated by the 13 meter high fortified round tower house, which was increased after the Christian reconquest.

Cisterns in the northern part of the system come from different epochs. In the extreme north is now the cemetery of the village.

Gallery

Residential and defense tower with high input

Cisterns, looking south

Looking through the entrance to the castle