A route is proposed through the medieval citadel of Olivenza. The route is very comfortable as it is a single platform, without architectural barriers, and with a perimeter of 520 meters, in the shape... (plus +)
A route is proposed through the medieval citadel of Olivenza. The route is very comfortable as it is a single platform, without architectural barriers, and with a perimeter of 520 meters, in the shape of an irregular rectangle, crossed by two axes: north-south and east-west. In these medieval citadels, the persistence of the defensive form of the Roman camp is noted: a rectangle cut by two axes: cardo and decumanus.
The wall is free of houses by 45%, where you can see the walls and the only medieval moat preserved in Extremadura. Likewise, you can visit its four gates and its towers, ending at the citadel. It is interesting to be able to also tour the interior of the citadel. To do this, by paying the entrance fee to the Museum/Castle, it is proposed to climb the Homage Tower. This tower is 36 meters high and 18 meters wide, and you climb to its terrace by 17 ramps. But before completing the climb, we propose visiting the lower room, to observe how the entire tower has been built on a previous structure, probably the initial Templar fortress. After climbing some ramps, we recommend going out to the battlements to walk along them and the three towers: the two flanking towers and the albarrana tower. Returning to the ramps of the Homage Tower, you reach the middle room, simple, and then the upper wing: the most interesting of all. This one has a ribbed vault, splayed windows, and ancient Portuguese weapons on two corbels.
Finally, you access its terrace, from which you can see an extensive territory on both sides of the border.
The curious visitor can also discover an innumerable amount of medieval graffiti incised on the side walls of its ramps and arrow slits. Inscriptions stand out, one with the date of 1332, another with the name of the king who ordered the construction of the tower (D. Afonso IV), and diverse symbolism in which pentalfas, human figures, and a very detailed boat stand out.
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