Altamira (Elche)

Agrandir le plan

Shortened history of the castle:

The first human settlements in the municipality of Elche date back to the Neolithic period, but Iberian communities really set foot in the fourth century BC.

In 203 BC, Gaius Flaminius, commanding the Roman army, conquered the Iberian settlement.

With the Muslim invasion, the settlement was included within the territory of Teodomiro, enjoying some autonomy in exchange for allegiance to the Islamic power.

Altamira Palace The castle was built in the late fifteenth century by the noble Castilian Cardenas Gutierrez, first lord of the city, having returned to the Crown with the Catholic Kings, making their usual redidencia. However, it is likely to be built on an earlier work of the twelfth or thirteenth century, which form part of the defenses of the walled town Almohad.

In the early sixteenth century the castle suffered frequent Berber raids and the Muslims were expelled in large numbers, finally, in 1609.

During the War of Succession Elche was declared in favor of the Archduke Charles, being sacked by the troops of Philip V.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Summer Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday - 10.00 to 13.30 / 16.30 to 20.00 hours
Sunday - 10.30 to 13.30 hours

Winter Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday - 10.00 to 13.30 / 16.30 to 20.00 hours
Sunday - 10.30 to 13.30 hours