Canena castle

Municipality: Canena

Regions: La Loma y Las Villas

Latitude: 38.048813°

Longitude: -3.481271°

Altitude: 535.901 m

Video - Canena castle

The town of Canena is located in the region of La Loma, Jaen. It has an extraordinary castle that offers one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance military architecture in Andalusia.

This castle is distinguished by the characteristic architecture of the mid-16th century highlighted by its elegance.

History of Canena Castle

Muslim

The origin of the name of Canena is linked to the Arab tribe ofBanu Kinana, one of the tribes that entered to conquer theterritory of the peninsula thatposteriorly It would be Al-Andalus.

This tribe built a fortress in Canena on the remains of an ancientconstruction Roman. Later,in 1079, the king of the taifa of Toledo used it as a refuge when escaping from an uprising.

Regain

around 1226, Ferdinand III He conquered the fortress and incorporated it into the Christian territories. TOlate 13th century, under the order of Alfonso X, the municipality was divided between theOrder of Calatrava and theorder of santiagoTherefore, there were two parishes, administered by their respective orders.

in 1302, Fernando IV expropriated Canena from the Order of Calatrava to transfer it to the city of Úbeda as a reward for having captured Commander Gutiérrez, who had been disloyal to the monarch.

15th - 16th centuries

in 1473, Don Sancho ofBenavides occupied Canena and began the lifting of the castle. Faced with this situation, the Council of Baeza denounced Don Sancho before the Catholic Monarchs for failing to comply with the order not to build new fortresses.

In 1538, don Francisco de los Cobos, Secretary of State of Carlos V, bought Canena and ordered theconstruction of this castillo a Andrés de Vandelvira, one of the great architects of Renaissance architecture.

At the end of 1538, don Alonso de Baeza, sold to theSecretary of State of Carlos V, Francisco de los Cobos the towns of Torres and Canena.around 1577, the lord of the Cobos, without royal permission,ordered to build a new castleAndrés de Vandelvira, one of the great architects of Renaissance architecture.

Under the excuse of defending himself from the Molinas, his traditional enemies, what he was really after was to immortalize his name with the construction of such an architectural work.

Don Francisco de los Cobos passed away beforewill end the works ofcastillo. Instead,yes they could see the finished castle his widow, Doña María de Mendoza and her son, Don Diego de los Cobos.

20th century and present

He2 of June from 1931, It isthe castle was declaredNational Monument.

In thepresent, the Castillo de Canena is privately owned. has been declaredAsset of Cultural Interestand is in the process of restoration and conservation. It is possible to visit the castle and explore its different rooms, such as the Keep and the inner courtyards, which still retain their original structure.

The castle of Canena

Architecture

The property satisfies a double need: on the one hand, it is a defensive building thatprovides security to its inhabitants and on the other hand, it is a palace designed to provide comfort and prestige to the owners.

They areexternal appearanceBuilt with irregular stone masonry joined with mortar, it offers a compact image of clear military tradition.

Thecastle plan It is square and has cylindrical towers located at the corners. The two towers located on the main façade are larger and taller, while the other two, located on the opposite side, are smaller. Among them stands out the impressive tower of tribute, square plan.

In its origin, the castle had amoat and drawbridge, whose notches for the chains that lifted it up, are still preserved on the cover. Currently, the moat on the east side and the bridge have been recovered, although it is no longer drawable, but it is quite similar to the original one.

Patio

In the center of the building is located a beautiful patio, with a square floor plan. Around it, all its dependencies are arranged.

The patio has a staircase similar to that of a convent and is surrounded by five semicircular arches to emphasize the symmetry.

Balcony

One of the elements moreremarkable of the construction is the balcony or solarium. This is a space that, thanks to its good orientation, guarantees a high level of light and excellent views. It was intended for leisure and rest, something uncommon in defensive-type constructions.

Castle Hours

Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The reservation must be made through the "Hidden Treasures of the Hill" Program on the phone 608 69 66 78.

Prices to visit the Castillo de Canena

Free entrance.

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