The day we visited the castle the temperature reached a toasty 28C/82F. We were indeed warm climbing the steep hills around the wonderful old castle ruins. Although both the Iberians and the Romans fortified the same peak, the majority of surviving walls and towers are Moorish in technique and Gothic in style.
To understand the sheer size of the castle complex, the original castle had a double moat, 30 towers, 12 reservoirs and 2 chapels. It was dominated by a massive tower along with many other rooms and fortifications. Unfortunately, nearly all were destroyed by an earthquake in 1748.
(click on any picture to go to slideshow mode)
An Arabic Astrolabe dating around 1291. Possibly made in Yemen.
A window with a view in the Castillo Mayor
Queen Himilce’s Balcony located just off of the courtyard of the Castillo Menor
The main gate to the Castillo Menor looking back through the gate towards the Castillo Major.
Leaving the prison to freedom
Taking a rest on the stairs leading up to a small garden behind the Capilla de la Reina Maria
A view of the smaller Castillo Menor
Arabic fountain
Battlements of the Castillo Menor
One of the few remaining towers. At one time 30 towers defined this castle.
Strategically located the castle protected a Roman road crossing all of Hispania Province
Preserved flooring, walls and battlements of the Castillo Mayor
Ancient walls and a hedgerow garden in the Castillo Mayor
Julia and Ted enjoying the main courtyard and ancient walls
A view towards the older and smaller Castillo Menor at the top of the hill
A small garden next to the ancient walls
At 311m (~1000 ft) the views of Xàtiva were amazing.
The battlements above the main gates to Xàtiva Castle which consists of two parts – Castillo Menor and Castillo Mayor
A fountain and bronze cannons in the main square of the Castillo Mayor
Our Tapestry 