Castillo de los Vélez was built in 1524 on the ruins of an older castle from which some remains are visible. The castle was ordered by Mister Pedro Fajardo (Marquis of Vélez) to Luis Fajardo to ensure submission of the town of Mula, which was up in arms against the Marquis. This castle of Renaissance style and simple lines was created as a defense structure.
The castle, built on a rocky outcrop, has one single nave with vault, a tribute tower, a tanks and an annex. Inside there is little decoration, with rough, functional lines. The only ornamental pieces are eight shields of the Fajardo and Silva families. There are beautiful views of the Mula river from the North side and of the entire town from the lower terrace. The tribute tower was accessed via a rising footbridge later replaced by a fixed bridge. In case of invasion, the soldiers went to the tower, where a tank ensured water supply.
From the high part of the town, where the Royal Encarnación Monastery is located, the Albacar trail leads to the Castle. You can also go by car taking the road to Caravaca. Right after exiting the town, there are indications for the castle. Follow them all the way to the Castle base.
References:Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.
Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.
There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.