Calatrava la Nueva Castle
Calatrava la Nueva (Sacro convento-castillo de Calatrava la Nueva) is a medieval castle and convent found on the peak of Alacranejo, within the municipality of Aldea del Rey, near Almagro, in the province of Ciudad Real, Spain.
Its name is a reference to the Order of Calatrava, which was originally situated in Calatrava la Vieja, 60 km to the north. In 1217, the Order of Calatrava moved to Calatrava la Nueva. Thus, the original site became known as Calatrava la Vieja ("Old Calatrava") and the new site as Calatrava la Nueva (“New Calatrava”).
Wikipedia
Sacred Convent of New Calatrava
We are in the great fortress of the knights of Calatrava, the property of which would be defended against the Muslims of the nearby Castle of Salvatierra. Although it was a fortress in the Bronze Age, Visigoth era and there is news of its use by Nuño de Lara in the 12th century, it hit its peak after the battle of Navas de Tolosa.
Today we can tour its pathways, the rooms of its castle, patios, towers and stairways and a reservoir. Also, its 13th century convent preserves a great door with a rosette, the “Estrella” door, the chapter hall, refectory and kitchens, as well as a cemetery. The ancillary area of craftsmen, lodgings, stables and wine cellars complete this magnificent narrative of life in the Middle Ages.
The great fortress, more than 45,000 square metres big, was erected to be the headquarters of the order, which substituted the city of Old Calatrava. Its church, convent, inn and outside premises, surrounded by fortifications, made up a true medieval fortified city.
Turismocastillalamancha.esWebsite:http://www.castillodecalatrava.com/p/calatrava-la-nueva.html
