Encomienda de Víboras castle

Municipality: Martos

Regions: Sierra Sur de Jaén

Latitude: 37.641845°

Longitude: -4.025797°

Altitude: 598.5 m

Introduction

The Castle of the Encomienda de Víboras, an imposing medieval fortress dating back to the 9th century, majestically stands on a strategic promontory on the right bank of the Víboras River.

Its strategic location, in the vicinity of the current dam of the Víboras reservoir and close to the town of Las Casillas, within the municipality of Martos, makes it a prominent point of historical interest in the province of Jaén.

Historical data

The name Víboras appears to be a phonetic evolution of Bib-Bora, which in Andalusian Arabic translates to "Puerta de Bora," referring to the ancient Turdetan city of Bora. This city was situated on the Cerro de San Cristóbal and even minted coins in the year 50 BC.

During the Islamic era, Víboras was a significant population center, and its defenses were anchored by a castle strategically positioned on the rocky outcrop. The castle was constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries, likely serving as an outpost of the Elvira Cora within the iqlim of Alcalá.

In 1225, Al Bayasi, the Emir of Baeza, surrendered Víboras to Fernando III, to whom he was a vassal, along with the castles of Martos and Porcuna.

Following the Christian conquest, it was granted to the Military Order of Calatrava in 1228 by Fernando III, specifically to Master Gonzaliañez.

Under the administration of the Order of Calatrava, Víboras became part of a dense network of castles that defended, repopulated, and exploited the Martos region, which became the primary border zone after the Pact of Jaén, lasting until the conquest of Alcalá la Real in 1311.

The Calatravos expanded the castle"s defenses and gave it the structure we see today in response to Almohad attacks on the territory from Alcaudete and Alcalá.

After the Kingdom of Granada"s conquest, there was significant population growth in the previously border regions.

This led to extensive deforestation and land clearing, resulting in a severe economic downturn in the 17th century, as reflected in historical documents. Consequently, Víboras encomienda saw a gradual decline and depopulation.

It remained under the control of the Order of Calatrava until the ecclesiastical confiscation of Mendizábal in the 19th century. During this period, the encomienda was privatized, divided between upper and lower rooms, and awarded to Catalan families, including the Masoliver and Castanys.

One of these individuals, Don Pablo, initiated the construction of barns and houses, eventually giving rise to Casillas de D. Pablo at the end of the 19th century.

The castle

The Víboras Castle is notably positioned at a commanding height, overseeing the entire surrounding territory. Its northern face features a vertical rock wall, serving as a natural defense that renders additional fortifications unnecessary. On the southern slope, which is less steep, a rectangular wall offered protection.

The primary fortified enclosure covers an area of approximately 3,000 square meters and contains remnants of a cistern measuring 29 square meters and 5 meters in depth. This cistern is covered by two ribbed vaults and a brick arch connecting them. Additionally, there are remnants of stables in this area.

Access to the smaller enclosure is through a defensive structure flanked by two rooms of unknown purpose. Within this enclosure, there is another cistern measuring 6.5x5 meters, featuring a masonry vault with mortar and an interior height of 3.5 meters.

At the highest point of the castle stands a substantial homage tower of Christian construction, with a slightly square floor plan and rounded corners. Perched on the rocky terrain and constructed from masonry, this tower stands at a height of 10 meters and comprises two superimposed vaulted rooms.

Access to these rooms is achieved through a window-door located approximately 5 meters from the ground. Unfortunately, there are no remaining traces of the staircase that once facilitated access.

An internal staircase along the west wall, ascending from the upper room, leads to the rooftop. In addition to the window-door, there were three arrow slit windows for interior lighting and ventilation.

Due to the natural variations in terrain and the presence of the Víboras River, builders devised a system of zig-zag ramps to navigate the steep slope.

These ramps were implemented in three distinct areas, separated by rock outcrops. This innovative system facilitated the movement of transport vehicles pulled by pack animals and provided access on foot.

The Víboras Castle was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985.

Access

The castle can be visited and its access is free.

Photo Gallery - Encomienda de Víboras castle

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