Gormaz, Soria, Castile and León, Spain
Military Fortress · Umayyad · 10th Century
The Fortress of Gormaz is a medieval fortress located in Gormaz, province of Soria, Spain. It was expanded in 965 by the Caliphate of Córdoba and was the largest fortress in Europe at the time. It played a crucial role in the defense of the Duero line.
Construction: 965 – 966
Founder: Al-Hakam II
Key figures: Galib ibn Abd al-Rahman
Significance: The largest Muslim fortress in Europe during the Middle Ages.
- 965: Expansion ordered by Al-Hakam II
- 1060: Conquered by Ferdinand I of León
- 1087: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid) becomes Lord of Gormaz
Architectural styles: Umayyad, Military
Materials: Ashlar Stone
- Double Caliphal Arch: Main gate featuring typical horseshoe arches.
- Perimeter Walls: Over 1.2 km of walls with 28 towers.
- Alcázar: Inner citadel for the governor.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 20:00 (summer) · 10:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 18:00 (winter) – Free access.
- General: €0.00
Accessibility: Difficult. Steep climb.
Official site: http://www.sorianitelaimaginas.com
Address: Camino del Castillo, s/n, 42313 Gormaz, Spain
Coordinates: 41.4936, -3.0089