Nogalte Castle

Castillo de Nogalte, an Islamic fortress with nearly 10 centuries of age, was built in the period of Muslim domination (between the 9^th and 10^th centuries) to control the communication path next to the Guadalentín river and to manage and protect neighboring towns. In the mid-13^th century, Nogalte Castle became one of the defensive mainstays of the Murcia Kingdom against the Granada Emirate, in an uninhabited, unsafe border territory. 

 

Later, in the 17^th century, Nogalte and its fields were used as meadows for the cattle and in the 18^th century, the city's population and extension increased as many people saw the Nogalte hill as a perfect place in which to build their homes, some of which (over 150) were carved inside the mountain rock. During the middle of last century, the castle was in ruins posing a threat to the safety of the people inhabiting the cave homes, and so the decision to knock down the remains of the Arab fortress was made. Nowadays, in an attempt to recover our past, part of the fortress has been restored and some of the cave homes rehabilitated so that you can visit them and understand the history of this land.
 

The historic complex is opened all day. However, if you wish to visit the cave houses and Jewish headquarters, it is necessary to make a reservation at the Puerto Lumbreras Tourist Office

 

You can also check our Guide of Castles in Murcia