# Castle of Atalaia

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Location Text:** (Pinhel, Pinhel)

The Castle of Atalaya, also known as the Castle of Villena, is a historic fortress situated on a spur of the Sierra de la Villa in Villena, within the province of Alicante, southern Spain. Strategically positioned to command the former frontier between the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, its origins likely predate the 12th century, with Arab sources confirming its existence by 1172. While some speculate it was built upon an earlier Roman castrum, no definitive proof supports this theory. The structure served as a critical stronghold for the Islamic emirate of Iberia before being conquered in 1240 by forces loyal to James I of Aragon, eventually becoming a permanent possession of the Kingdom of Castile following the Treaty of Almizra in 1244.

Throughout the medieval period, the castle functioned as a residence for notable figures, including Infante Manuel and his son, the renowned writer Juan Manuel, Prince of Villena, who reinforced its defenses. It later passed to the Marquis of Villena before becoming royal property in 1476 after a citizen rebellion supported by the Catholic Monarchs. The fortress played pivotal roles in subsequent conflicts, serving as a refuge during the Revolt of the Brotherhoods and withstanding an eight-day siege during the War of Spanish Succession. Although abandoned and looted during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, it underwent restoration in 1958 and was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1931.

Today, the Castle of Atalaya stands in good condition, featuring a northwest-oriented entrance and a chemin-de-ronde along its external walls. It has transitioned from a military bastion to a cultural landmark, currently serving as the central hub for the annual Moors and Christians festival in Villena. Its enduring presence offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of Iberian military history, marking it as a significant example of medieval fortification architecture in the region.

![Photo of Castle of Atalaia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Atalaya_Castle_Exterior.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Atalaia (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)