It is one of the oldest preserved castles in Europe, dating back to 968 AD.
The castle features an iconic oval floor plan, a signature design of the Caliphate era.
The original structure included fourteen towers; a fifteenth 'Tower of Homage' was added by Christians in the 15th century.
The walls are built primarily from 'tabiya' (rammed earth) mixed with lime, a common Islamic fortification technique.
It was declared a National Monument in 1931, the same year as the Alhambra in Granada.
The castle stands on a prehistoric site, with excavations revealing artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age.
Despite its age, the defensive perimeter remains largely intact with its original height.
It has been used as a filming location for several historical dramas and films due to its authentic medieval appearance.
Castillo de Baños de la Encina, also known as the Castillo de Burgalimar, is an 10th-century Umayyad fortress located in the province of Jaén. Built in 968 AD during the Caliphate of Cordoba under Al-Hakam II, it is recognized as one of the oldest preserved castles in Europe. The structure features an oval-shaped floor plan enclosed by a high wall reinforced by fourteen original towers plus a later 15th-century Christian keep. The fortress was declared a National Monument in 1931 due to its significant state of preservation. It sits atop the Cerro del Cueto, overlooking the surrounding olive groves and the Rumblar Reservoir. The site has functioned as a strategic military outpost for both Islamic and Christian forces throughout the Reconquista. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age before the construction of the current stone fortifications. Restoration efforts have maintained the integrity of the original ramparts and towers.
From the exterior base of the hill looking up at the silhouette of the towers against the sunset.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the ground within the castle and on the surrounding hill can be uneven.
Visit the local visitor center in the village first to understand the historical context before entering the castle grounds.
Bring sun protection, as the castle interior is an open-air space with limited shade.
Do not attempt to visit during the hottest hours of the afternoon in the summer, as the heat reflects off the stone walls.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain silence in the tower areas and do not climb on the unrestored wall sections.
