Explore The Secrets Of Benissili Castle, From Medieval Stronghold To Nazi Hideout

Heritage preserved. The Vall de Gallinera Town Hall, successful business pinch nan Alicante Provincial Council, has embarked connected an eager ngo to safeguard 1 of nan Costa Blanca’s astir fascinating historical monuments — Benissili Castle. The first shape of consolidation works, backed by an finance of €273,472, has focused connected stabilising nan castle’s structure, overmuch of which was astatine consequence of collapse.

Perched precocious supra nan Vall de Gallinera, Benissili Castle — besides known arsenic nan Castle of Alcalá aliases Hisn al-Qala — dates backmost to nan 11th century. Once nan residence of Al-Azraq, it became nan nervus centre of nan Mudéjar revolts that followed nan Christian conquest of nan Kingdom of Valencia successful nan 13th century. Its strategical location allowed it to defender nan valley’s entranceway from nan neighbouring Comtat region.

The earliest mention of Benissili appears successful 1245, successful nan Treaty of Pouet signed betwixt Al-Azraq and Infante Alfonso of Aragon. Just 3 years later, it became nan epicentre of nan first Mudéjar rebellion. King James I captured nan wall successful 1258 aft a lengthy campaign, later granting it to respective nobles earlier it evolved into a feudal estate. Through nan centuries, it witnessed galore conflicts and changes of ownership, reflecting nan region’s turbulent medieval past.

The caller restoration useful person been extensive. Archaeological excavations revealed original structural levels, guiding nan rebuilding of nan albacar walls and celda areas. The entree way has been reconstructed pinch accepted barren stone, and sections of nan precocious enclosure stabilised to forestall further deterioration. A woody level now recreates nan castle’s original floor, allowing visitors to safely research its interior. Engineers besides repaired nan ancient cistern and restored a mini 20th-century “German hut” — a funny relic built by a erstwhile Nazi fugitive who erstwhile lived successful hiding adjacent Llombai.

The 2nd shape of nan project, funded pinch an further €107,757, will proceed structural reinforcement and amended visitant access. By preserving Benissili Castle, nan Vall de Gallinera Town Hall reaffirms its committedness to protecting agrarian practice and ensuring that this bonzer wall — erstwhile a awesome of rebellion and refuge — endures for generations to come.