Exterior: medieval fortress

 

 

Calahorra Castle was built on the ruins of a former Hispano-Moresque fortress. Its outward appearance is unlike traditional medieval castles, in that its corner towers are circular, making them less exposed to the offensive weapons of the time.
Its rectangular base and its walls, given a reddish tinge by the dust from the Alquife Mines, offer very few openings, except the three small windows in the east, south and west walls. The solid, highly defensive appearance of the castle is softened somewhat by the stairway on the west side, which leads to the parapet walks connecting the four corner towers. The only access door (small in comparison) is in the east wall and leads to the guard room, in which a small stairway runs to the bailey; the door is topped by a representation of the coat of arms belonging to the Marquis of Cenete's second wife, Maria de Fonseca.

 

 

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