History of Castillo de Jumilla Spain
The Castle of Jumilla
Jumilla, Spain, is a delightful destination known for its exquisite wines, friendly locals, and breathtaking views. Nestled among scenic mountains and lush vineyards, this charming town left a lasting impression on me. The most memorable sight was Castillo de Jumilla, a castle perched atop a hill that commands attention from afar.
History of the Castle of Jumilla
The Castle of Jumilla has a rich and fascinating history spanning centuries. Fortifications were first constructed during the Bronze Age (between 2000 and 1000 BC) and were later fortified by the Romans in 190 BC. Today, the defensive wall built by the Romans remains. However, after the Romans left, the settlement fell into ruins and was taken over by the Iberian Peninsula. In 713, the Muslims conquered the area. While travelling across Spain, they built a fortress, Yumilla, on top of the ancient Roman and Iberian remains.
Castillo de Jumilla: Uphill Walk photo shot at the halfway point to the castle. I remember feeling parts in my legs that I didn't know existed, and going down wasn't any easier.
Juan Pacheco, also known as the Marquis of Villena and the Master Order of Santiago, ordered the castle's reconstruction in 1462 to protect the town from attacks by the Moors and other invaders and turned it into the fortress we see today. Fortunately for Juan Pacheco, the Moors' uprising receded, and the castle was made redundant.
During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1702, Cardinal Luis Antonio Belluga utilised the Castle of Jumilla as a gathering point for his soldiers to support the House Borbon in the Battle of Almansa (1707). The French used the castle as a barracks during the Peninsular War from 1808 to 1814, where British, Spanish, and Portuguese forces fought against them. After its use as a prison, the castle gradually deteriorated and was eventually abandoned.
In 1971, during the end of Francisco Franco's dictatorship, restoration work began to bring the castle back to its former glory.
What Does The Castle Look Like?
The castle was initially designed to use the lower floors for dungeons and storage for food and water, with a cistern to collect rainwater. Alongside the inner ward, two cisterns are built, dating back to the Moors' time and a wooden patrol path.
The eastern side of the castle is rounded and built with no windows to minimise the effect of cannonball attacks. The first floor stored weapons and armour, while the second floor was used for the nobles living quarters fitted with a fireplace and a large hearth. The third floor held the mechanisms for the drawbridge operations, and the rooftop battlements had space for three cannons and four apertures for the cannons to fire from.
Today, visitors to the Castle of Jumilla can explore its many rooms and halls, climb its ancient towers, and learn about the fascinating history of this important landmark. Whether you're interested in history, architecture or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Castle of Jumilla is worth a visit.