Rising above one of the cities in southeastern Spain, atop a hill, stands a grand fortification. Its mighty walls, visible from many kilometers away, outline a silhouette that for centuries has shaped the landscape and destiny of these lands. This site was more than just a military structure—it was a true city within a city, a bastion guarding the southeastern borders of the Iberian Peninsula during turbulent times of shifting rulers and beliefs. Its imposing size and strategic location made it a key element in the region’s defensive system for centuries.
Guardian of the Islamic East
The chronicle of this place begins in the 9th century, during the period of Muslim rule. Arab chronicles from that era describe the local settlement, known as Lurka, as one of the prosperous and most important centers of the Cora de Tudmir. Even then, there was an alcazaba and well-fortified residential quarters here, making it an almost impregnable enclave. Capturing it was an incredibly difficult task. Its strategic position on the heights allowed control over the fertile valley and key trade routes, making it both a coveted prize and a formidable obstacle for any conqueror seeking these lands.
A symbol of Castilian might
Everything changed dramatically in 1244 with the arrival of Christian forces during the Reconquista. After conquering these lands, the Castilian monarch Alfonso X the Wise, renowned for his visionary rule, ordered the construction of a new, even more imposing watchtower that would bear his name. Built at the highest point of the entire defensive perimeter, the Alphonsine Tower became a bold and unequivocal symbol of Castilian power—a stone manifesto aimed directly at the last stronghold of Muslims on the peninsula, the Emirate of Granada. From that moment, the fortress firmly established itself as one of the most important defensive outposts of its era, projecting strength and security over these constantly contested territories.
A crossroads of three faiths
Over the centuries, the fortress walls enclosed a complex military and urban space, where people of different communities and faiths lived side by side. In the upper, most protected part of the fortification was the Jewish quarter, the judería. Spanning several terraces, it included residential buildings and a synagogue, partially carved directly into the rock—a rare architectural feature. Today, the archaeological remains of this settlement, including the only discovered 15th-century synagogue in the region, have been carefully restored and are open to visitors. This makes the entire ensemble a crossroads of military, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage, where every stone has its own story to tell.
Legacy in the Present
The scale of the structure is impressive even today. The area within the walls exceeds 52,000 square meters, and the perimeter of the defensive constructions is almost one and a half kilometers, making it one of the largest in Spain. The site rightfully holds the status of a Heritage Asset of National Interest. Today, this monumental treasure is far from a static monument. Thanks to the “Lorca Taller del Tiempo” project, it has been transformed into a vibrant space. Year-round, guided tours, master classes, and themed events for all ages are held here. Nighttime and theatrical performances, which offer a completely new perspective on the fortress, are particularly popular. Interestingly, after excavations revealed an ancient synagogue on the grounds amid the old walls, the modern Parador hotel was integrated into the site. The outer gardens are open to visitors free of charge, while access to the museum areas requires a ticket, which can be purchased online.
