Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras

Spain, Spain

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Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras is a medieval fortress dating back to the 9th century, originally an Arab outpost near Las Casillas in Martos, Jaén province, Spain. In 1225, it was surrendered to King Fernando III by the Emir of Baeza and granted to the Order of Calatrava in 1228, which expanded its defenses against Almohad attacks, including a prominent homage tower on a commanding hilltop with natural northern rock defenses and southern walls. The site played a key role in defending the Martos border region until the 14th century and remained under Calatrava control until 19th-century confiscations led to its privatization and partial ruin.