Castillo de Elda

Castillo de Elda, perched on a small hill by the Vinalopó River in the town of Elda, Alicante, is a fortress rich in history and architectural intrigue. This ancient stronghold, constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, from its Islamic origins to its transformation into a noble residence.

The Historical Journey of Castillo de Elda

The story of Castillo de Elda begins in 1172, following the Almohad defeat at the Battle of Huete. The threat of advancing Christian forces prompted the Taifa of Murcia to fortify strategic locations in the Vinalopó Valley, including the original fortress of Elda. Built and maintained by the Almohads between 1172 and 1243, this fortress was a defensive bastion for the burgeoning Islamic community in Elda, as evidenced by archaeological finds in the town's historical center.

Following the Christian conquest in the mid-13th century, the fortress and its surrounding community experienced a turbulent period. The castle frequently changed hands through grants and sales, reflecting the shifting political landscape and the fortress's military significance. During this time, the castle retained much of its Islamic defensive structure, though it likely saw enhancements such as reinforced walls and towers. Additionally, residential modifications were made to accommodate its various noble occupants.

Archaeological evidence suggests that between the Christian conquest and 1308, the castle saw the construction of the Church of Santa María, possibly the first Christian place of worship in medieval Elda. From the late 13th century to the early 16th century, the southern and southeastern extramural areas of the castle served as burial grounds.

Transformation and Decline

The late 14th and early 15th centuries brought significant changes to Castillo de Elda. The castle underwent major modifications to strengthen its defenses, including the reinforcement of its walls. During this period, the fortress was owned by Doña Violante and later by the Corella family, the Counts of Cocentaina. However, economic pressures led to the sale of Elda, Petrer, and Salinas to Juan de Coloma, of Jewish origin, on September 4, 1513.

The Coloma family's residence in Elda throughout the 16th and part of the 17th centuries marked the castle's transformation from a medieval military fortress to a noble palace. This period saw significant changes to the castle's exterior and interior, including the alteration of the entrance gate, the construction of circular towers, and the addition of various residential rooms. Notable features from this era include a small religious chapel, a large water cistern, and domestic and service quarters, many of which remain unexcavated.

The castle's decline began after the economic prosperity of the 16th century. The expulsion of the Morisco population severely impacted the Coloma family financially, leading them to relocate to Valencia and initiating the fortress's deterioration. The 19th century saw an acceleration of this decline, driven by political changes in Spain. The castle was acquired by the Spanish state in 1841 and auctioned off in 1848. During this time, various attempts were made to repurpose the castle, including plans to demolish it for bridge construction and to convert it into a prison or a theater.

The castle's new owner, Pedro León Navarro y Vidal, a master builder, ultimately demolished much of the structure, resulting in the plundering of its materials, including marble, stonework, woodwork, furniture, and metals. In 1879, a bridge over the Vinalopó River was constructed using stone from the castle's circular towers.

Current State and Preservation Efforts

Today, Castillo de Elda stands in ruins, but efforts to reconstruct and preserve this historic site have been ongoing since 1983. Archaeological studies and exhibitions, spearheaded by Teófilo Rico Verdú, aim to promote actions that will enhance understanding and recovery of this significant landmark. These efforts have uncovered new information about the fortress and its former owners, as well as its modifications during both Islamic and Christian periods.

Protected under the generic declaration of the Decree of April 22, 1949, and Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage, Castillo de Elda holds a special place in the cultural and historical fabric of the region. Future plans include the potential reconstruction of the castle and the establishment of a museum to showcase its storied past.

In conclusion, Castillo de Elda is not just a relic of the past but a testament to the region's rich history and the resilience of its people. Its walls, though in ruins, echo the tales of centuries gone by, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.