Atienza Castle

Atienza Castle can not boast of size but can boast of grandiosity of the most important medieval fortifications. Although small, the castle is amazing. Atienza is an example of an early medieval defensive construction in Spain. This fortress stands on top of the outcrop that was once had an available command over the ancient Roman road between Tiermes and Osma.

Castle Atienza is located 82 kilometers from Guadalajara in the historic town of the same name. Almost unbelievable is how the Romans and Visigoths built the fortications on the high rock. Atienza become an important strategic stronghold in the 11th century, when Muslims attacked strange areas along the Duero river.

Atienza castle has a square shape and is composed of two walls. The main core is in the first. The outer wall is less, surrounding the edge of the rocks and was once fortified with a round tower at the south end. The second wall is built on the lower part of the scale, even in places it has been artificially reduced. The north eastern edge was the primary point of attack. During the Middle Ages the strategic placement of Atienza gave an important role in the fortress which it still gives today. It was also conquered by the Christians.

The main castle underwent reconstruction and reinforcement. Inside Atienza were two underground rezovoirs which served for storage of water.

Today only a few original parts of the Atienza Castle can be seen. Partially restored is the main tower, two large tanks which are carved into the rock, several parts of the exterior wall and one of the gates, named Arrebatacapas.