No. 69784
Palacio de los Marqueses del Almanzora (Cantoria)
Spain
Manor houseRuin17th century
No. 47670
No. 47670 · 37.688 N, 1.986 W
Quick summary
Castle of Xiquena is a castle in Spain, listed as reference No. 47670.
Castle of Xiquena is a castle in Spain with origins associated with the 15th century.
See all castles in SpainThe Castle of Xiquena stands in the municipality of Lorca, Spain, and was erected during the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
Its origins lie in that Islamic phase, when a fortress was established on a small hill to control the surrounding landscape. The site’s modern name has a contested history: some attribute Xiquena to the Arabic forms Gikena or Gehenna, interpreted as referring to an “infierno,” while others trace the name to a Roman-era estate (finca) located nearby. These competing explanations have been part of the place’s identity over time.
In 1433 the stronghold passed into the hands of the Crown of Castile. Later centuries saw the structure decline in importance and preservation. At present the remains have been recognized for their cultural value through designation as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The castle has also been placed on the red list of endangered heritage because its fabric is progressively deteriorating.
Condition
The castle occupies a low rise beside the Corneros river and follows an irregular plan that adapts to the hilltop. The surviving physical evidence is limited and fragmentary, reflecting long-term decay. From the site there is visual connection to other regional fortifications, with sightlines reaching the castles of Tirieza, Puentes, VĂ©lez Rubio and VĂ©lez-Blanco, indicating its role within a wider network of hilltop strongholds.
Archaeological confirmation focuses on the footprint and setting rather than extensive standing architecture. The preserved elements indicate the irregular layout noted above, but only a small portion of the original construction survives in situ. The remains are in a progressively deteriorating state, a condition that has contributed to their inclusion on the national red list for endangered heritage.
Location
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