Castillo de la Mola

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Just 3km from Novelda perches an impressive Islamic castle that is just waiting to be explored.

Castillo de la Mola sits atop a small hill just 3km from Novelda. The castle is encircled by a curtain wall that is pentagonal in shape. There are two gates: one on the eastern side and another on the northern side. It was built in the 12th century by the Moors.

There are two towers located inside the curtain wall. Dating to the Almohad period, the first has a square plan and is 12m wide. Only two of its floors are currently still standing. It is built using the rammed earth technique and faces east.

The second tower, which dates to a later period, has a triangular plan with walls that are 15m wide and 17m tall. Facing west, it is a stone structure with quoins at the corners. Both towers have a number of vaulted rooms inside with staircases connecting the spaces.

The curtain wall comprises four towers that flank the gates. It is possible that there were previously other towers but that they were destroyed when the road to Santuario de María Magdalena was built in the early 20th century.

Despite the years that have passed and the parts that have disappeared, large sections of the castle are still standing. Restored over the past century, the fortress is an important part of the Region of Valencia’s heritage and, as such, was listed a Site of Cultural Interest. Make sure you come and take a look around during your time in Novelda.