Xiquena Castle

The ruined castle of Xiquena is located in Fontanares, hamlet of the town of Lorca. Many authors argue that the name Xiquena comes from the Arabic Gikena or Gehenna and that it means 'hell'. On the other hand, others attribute a Roman origin to it due to a nearby farm.

Xiquena Castle was founded during Muslim rule over the area, certainly before the 13th century, but maybe even as early as the 10th century.

The incorporation of the Muslim Taifa of Murcia in 1243 into the Castilian kingdom, made these lands part of a large and hostile frontier area between the Kingdom of Castile and the Emirate of Granada. Xiquena Castle remained in Muslim hands and became a lonely sentinel in a virtual no man's land.

The castle, built on a small hill near the Corneros River, has an irregular plan and from it you can see the castles of Tirieza, Puentes, Vélez Rubio and Vélez Blanco.

Address
Fontanares, Lorca, Spain

Established
10th century AD