The origin of the Castle of the Marqués de los Vélez goes back towards the end of the 13th century, during the process of “Reconquest” because the construction of defensive complexes such as fortresses, defensive towers and watchtowers were common between the borders of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and the Crown of Castile. In Cuevas de Almanzora, located on the left bank of the Almanzora river, it was very close to this border that faced the domains of Lorca (Christian) against those of Vera (Muslim); Therefore, the Muslims built a defensive bastion in the westernmost part of the city to protect the population that lived in the area and thus ensure their position. Fortress that after the reconquest would become the Castle of the Marqués de los Vélez.
What will you find in the castle?
Of this first construction, the remains that are currently preserved are the Tower of Homage. Measuring 16 x 19 meters, it is located on the eastern wall of the fortification. Its plan is rectangular with a truncated pyramidal elevation that reminds us of the minarets typical of mosques. It is divided into five floors connected by a spiral staircase. Of its original materials, the corbels on the top stand out, almost all of which have been preserved.
Construction of the Castle of the Marqués de los Vélez
With the pacts established since 1488 with the Catholic Monarchs, the town of Cuevas de Almanzora and part of the territory will become the property of Mister Pedro Farjado, a manor of Cartagena for the towns of Vélez Rubio, Vélez Blanco and Cuevas, that with time he will obtain the title of Marquis of the Vélez. Being very recognized in Murcia. On the basis of the Muslim defense, a castle is built in the center of the town of the Almanzora valley. Becoming a symbol of the stately power of the marquis during medieval times.
In 1507 the construction of the castle with a square floor plan began, which will house the Tower of Homage, will have spaces for the refuge of the population, dungeons, warehouse; In this type of castles, tithes and seigneurial rents were received and the lands and vassals were managed. This palace was built with regular masonry, with an irregular quadrilateral plan, reinforced with defensive slopes and cylindrical bastions at the corners. The door stands out for the large carpanel arch, formed through large voussoirs. Starting in the 18th century, it passed to private owners who began modeling, distorting the appearance of a defensive and stately fortress that it had in previous centuries.
Public administration comes into play
Since 1985 it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of monument, so its protection is greater. After several restorations, it is currently the Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum containing the collection of contemporary painting and sculpture; It also houses the Archaeological Museum with a permanent exhibition that recalls the first settlements in the province and the Goya Room with a small collection of etchings by Francisco Goya. Next to these artistic spaces is also the Municipal Library.
Today, after extensive and laborious restoration, it houses the Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum, which contains an important collection of contemporary painting and sculpture; the Archaeological Museum that quite accurately recalls the first scenes of human life in the province; the Goya Room, with the folder of Francisco de Goya's engravings and etchings, and the Municipal Library, which occupy a spacious room and have a bibliographical and documentary collection of unquestionable value.
Get more information
If you want to visit the Castle you can enter this website: https://castillo.cuevasdelalmanzora.es/ to have more information. We will be delighted to receive you after the cultural visit in our restaurant. And we commented on the visit together with a delicious dessert. Remember that we only receive tables with prior reservation.
