Moorish castle

The Castle of the Moors, also known as the Castle of Villalonga, is an ancient Muslim fortress located about 1.5 kilometers from the town of Villalonga, Valencia, in the Les Fontanelles mountain range. This castle held significant strategic importance due to its location, overlooking the “El Pla de la Font” plain and the surrounding areas.

The castle was captured by King James I in 1239 during the Reconquista. James I described it as a “castell de roques grans e fortes” (a castle of large and strong rocks). Later, in 1269, it was granted to the knight Arnau Romaní. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of various noble families, including the Borja family, who incorporated it into their domains until the 19th century, when the feudal estates disappeared.

The castle has an irregular layout and is divided into two partially concentric enclosures. Several architectural features stand out:
– Walls: Sections of walls built using Islamic *tapial* techniques combined with masonry remain, along with battlements and remnants of a barbican.
– Cistern: A subterranean structure built with mortar and stone walls, covered by a vaulted ceiling.
– Gates: A Christian-style gate, though deteriorated, is located in a hard-to-reach section.
– Main Tower: In the northeast, there are remains of what was likely the castle’s main tower.

Today, the castle is in ruins, and many of its structures are at risk of collapse due to neglect and erosion. Although it is on private property, its state of deterioration presents challenges for preservation.

For those wishing to visit, it can be accessed on foot via the Castle Path, which leads to the Castle Ravine and from there to the enclosure.