Castle of Lorca. Sun Fortress

10^th-20^th centuries

 

Defensive architecture - Military fortress.

 

The Guadalentín River valley is a natural communication route that was very important in medieval times as a border crossing between the kingdoms of Castile and Granada. The area is scattered with many surveillance and defensive fortresses, with the Castle of Lorca being the most important one.

 

The most distinctive elements in this fortress are the walls and the Alfonsina and Espolón towers, built by order of the King Alfonso X after the surrender of 1244. Other interesting pieces are the Islamic constructions, the Jewish quarter and the synagogue, together with some 19^th-century military buildings. All these are reminders of the many civilizations inhabiting this region. In 2003 the project Lorca Taller del Tiempo opened to the public this monumental complex in which the Sun Fortress is the main cultural and tourist asset.

You can also check our Guide of Castles in Murcia