Castillo de Santa Catalina
Standing above the city like an everlasting defender, the castle itself or Alcázar Nuevo is a walled, almost triangular enclosure defended by six towers. Inside, there is a Tourist Information Centre, offering visitors the chance to discover the history of the castle and the city.
Parador Hotel with its historic theme attached to the castle is a welcome rest stop for the visitor whether you are just taking a drink in the bar, a meal in the restaurant or staying a night or two in the hotel.
The earliest defensive elements found on Santa Catalina hill date from the Iberian period; there are cyclopean remains located on the northern slope of the hill which are related to the nearby settlement of Puente Tablas which was abandoned in the third and fourth century BC.
The military origin of the castle dates back to Carthaginian times, when Hannibal built this fortress to protect the Carthaginian colony that he founded in the city 218 BC. Later under the Romans the castle was maintained and reinforced.
The present Santa Catalina Castle is of original Arab design, extended and modified after being conquered by Fernando III. A short walk away in the direction of the city is a monumental cross which was erected by the order of King Fernando III after he entered the city in the spring of 1246.
Centro de Interpretación del Castillo de Santa Catalina
The Castillo de Santa Catalina (castle) has an interpretation center which takes you on journey through the history of the castle. The interpretation centre is free. You can buy your tickets to the castle from the machine in the interpretation centre with credit card.
Cross
Located near the castle at end of a little footpath as a marble cross. It is worth visiting for the view alone. located in a position that looks down on the city. It is said that this cross replaces earlier ones, the original being the wooden one that King Fernando III ordered to be placed after taking the fortress from the moors. The current cross is a donation from the Balguerias family in 1951. For posterity, a beautiful Sonnet to the Cross by Antonio Almendros Aguilar has also been engraved on it.
Opening
1st October-30th June, Monday-Saturday, 10:00-18:00hrs
1st October-30th June, Sunday, 10:00-15:00hrs
1st July-30th September, Monday-Saturday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-21:00hrs
1st July-30th September, Sunday, 10:00-15:00hrs
Entrance
Adult, €3.50
Groups, €2.50
Children, Students and Over 65, €1.50
Wednesday, 15:00-18:00hrs, FREE
Contact
Tel: 953 12 07 33
Location of Castillo de Santa Catalina
Located on Carretera al Castillo y el Neveral.