CASTLE OF LA MOLA

The Castle of La Mola in Novelda is a fortress of Islamic origin, built in the 12th century and transformed during the 14th century under Christian rule. Its original structure included a rammed-earth wall reinforced with towers and a square keep with elevated access, typical of Almohad military architecture. After the Aragonese conquest, King James II promoted its reinforcement, expanding the enclosure and adding Christian elements such as the triangular tower and new gates. The castle housed a stable Christian community with defensive, economic, and residential functions, while in the valley an Islamic community survived under vassalage. Its architecture reflects the fusion of Islamic and Christian traditions. From the 16th century onwards, as the interior lost its strategic value, the site was gradually abandoned, coinciding with the growth of the urban core of Novelda. Today it stands as a valuable testimony to the historical and cultural legacy of both civilizations.