Castillo de la Concepci贸n (Castle of the Conception), Cartagena
The Castle of the Conception, also known as the Asdr煤bal Castle, is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th or 14th century, perched atop the hill of the same name that overlooks Cartagena. This castle holds significant historical and architectural importance, and it is even featured on the city's coat of arms.
The origins of the first structures on this hill have a degree of uncertainty, but historical records and recent archaeological restorations have shed light on its fascinating history. According to the Greek historian Polybius, during Roman times, a temple dedicated to the god Aesculapius stood on this hill. Evidence of this ancient past was uncovered during the recent castle restoration. The first floor of the castle was found to be constructed by repurposing Roman-made cisterns, which may have originally belonged to the temple of Aesculapius or some other Byzantine-era building.
While it was commonly believed that Cartagena had largely disappeared during the period of Muslim rule, historical sources indicate otherwise. The city had some degree of significance from the 10th century onwards, particularly in the 12th century. The remains of the city's Arab settlement have been discovered through various archaeological excavations in the old town, notably in the vicinity of the Roman theater.
A closer look at the castle's structures and ruins revealed that it concealed remnants of towers that were part of a 12th-century Muslim citadel. The castle's lantern, a surviving structure from the Arab era, was once used as a lighthouse. The layout of the Castle of Cartagena bears a striking resemblance to the castles of Aledo and Lorca, sharing common stonemason marks.
During the reign of King Alfonso, the Order of Saint Mary of Spain was established in Cartagena to bolster naval efforts against Muslim forces. However, a series of naval disasters in which most of the order's ships were lost led to the order's dissolution. Consequently, the strategic importance of the Port of Cartagena waned, and the castle remained incomplete.
The entrance to the castle was marked by a grand monumental arch flanked by two towers known as the "Puerta de la Villa," providing access to the entire walled area of the castle. The Castle of the Conception stands as a testament to Cartagena's rich and diverse history, from its ancient Roman roots to the era of Muslim rule and beyond, preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
The origins of the first structures on this hill have a degree of uncertainty, but historical records and recent archaeological restorations have shed light on its fascinating history. According to the Greek historian Polybius, during Roman times, a temple dedicated to the god Aesculapius stood on this hill. Evidence of this ancient past was uncovered during the recent castle restoration. The first floor of the castle was found to be constructed by repurposing Roman-made cisterns, which may have originally belonged to the temple of Aesculapius or some other Byzantine-era building.
While it was commonly believed that Cartagena had largely disappeared during the period of Muslim rule, historical sources indicate otherwise. The city had some degree of significance from the 10th century onwards, particularly in the 12th century. The remains of the city's Arab settlement have been discovered through various archaeological excavations in the old town, notably in the vicinity of the Roman theater.
A closer look at the castle's structures and ruins revealed that it concealed remnants of towers that were part of a 12th-century Muslim citadel. The castle's lantern, a surviving structure from the Arab era, was once used as a lighthouse. The layout of the Castle of Cartagena bears a striking resemblance to the castles of Aledo and Lorca, sharing common stonemason marks.
During the reign of King Alfonso, the Order of Saint Mary of Spain was established in Cartagena to bolster naval efforts against Muslim forces. However, a series of naval disasters in which most of the order's ships were lost led to the order's dissolution. Consequently, the strategic importance of the Port of Cartagena waned, and the castle remained incomplete.
The entrance to the castle was marked by a grand monumental arch flanked by two towers known as the "Puerta de la Villa," providing access to the entire walled area of the castle. The Castle of the Conception stands as a testament to Cartagena's rich and diverse history, from its ancient Roman roots to the era of Muslim rule and beyond, preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cartagena. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Castillo de la Concepci贸n (Castle of the Conception) on Map
Sight Name: Castillo de la Concepci贸n (Castle of the Conception)
Sight Location: Cartagena, Spain (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cartagena, Spain (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cartagena, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Cartagena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cartagena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Roman Ruins Walking Tour
The picturesque Spanish coastal town of Cartagena is famously packed with historic monuments. The many layers of its ancient and maritime history date all the way back to its Carthaginian founding in 227 BC. While the harbor area is defended by forts, the town itself is walled and dotted with Roman ruins.
Among the prominent sites here is the Roman Theater Museum of Cartagena (Museo Del Teatro... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among the prominent sites here is the Roman Theater Museum of Cartagena (Museo Del Teatro... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cartagena Introduction Walking Tour
Situated in the southeastern corner of Spain, in the province of Murcia, the city of Cartagena is a major naval station on the Iberian Mediterranean coast. Being the first of a number of cities worldwide named Cartagena, it has one of the most fascinating histories in all of Spain, inhabited for over two millennia by several great civilizations and cultures.
The town was founded around 227 BC... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The town was founded around 227 BC... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles