Gigonza Castle, San José del Valle, Spain

Castillo de Gigonza site has been in existence since antiquity. The present castle is of Andalusian origin and almost square in shape, with two parts to its structure. The current appearance dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. A narrow and low door contains a lintel with two heavy imposts. The upper floor is vaulted and contains windows. The grounds contain a surrounding fence. The courtyard is accessed through a door with and arch, displaying a coat of arms of the Casa de Arcos.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

jose carlos garcia sanchez (2 years ago)
Nice but it is necessary guided tour if not, you do not get to know the whole history of said Castle, as it deserves. Exteriors and tower restored but somewhat scarce of ornamental elements. Spectacular location and beautiful views. Very friendly staff and always at our disposal. I advise

Juan Luis Monsalve (2 years ago)
An incredible visit, enlivened by the knowledge of Salvador, about the whole history of the castle and the old spa. Recommended visit, you cannot stop by and not see this place.

Antonio J. Cortina (2 years ago)
Solo se puede visitar fines de semana o con cita pero cuando ellos pueden. Llamamos antes y hoy no se podía visitar.

María José Chacón Magriz (2 years ago)
Me ha encantado. El guía espectacular. Lo recomiendo. Para una mañana llena de historia, de vivencias, ...de vestigios de un pasado glorioso, de un presente muy intenso y de un futuro muy prometedor.

Manuel Ramos (2 years ago)
Es privado.la parte publica hay q pedir hora

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Historic Site of the week

Heraclea Lyncestis

Heraclea Lyncestis was an ancient Greek city in Macedon, ruled later by the Romans. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC. The city was named in honor of the mythological hero Heracles. The name Lynkestis originates from the name of the ancient kingdom, conquered by Philip, where the city was built.

Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, as it was at the edge of Macedon"s border with Epirus to the west and Paeonia to the north, until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedon and destroyed its political power. The main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. The prosperity of the city was maintained mainly due to this road.

The Roman emperor Hadrian built a theatre in the center of the town, on a hill, when many buildings in the Roman province of Macedonia were being restored. It began being used during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Inside the theatre there were three animal cages and in the western part a tunnel. The theatre went out of use during the late 4th century AD, when gladiator fights in the Roman Empire were banned, due to the spread of Christianity, the formulation of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the abandonment of, what was then perceived as, pagan rituals and entertainment.

Late Antiquity and Byzantine periods

In the early Byzantine period (4th to 6th centuries AD) Heraclea was an important episcopal centre. A small and a great basilica, the bishop"s residence, and a funerary basilica and the necropolis are some of the remains of this period. Three naves in the Great Basilica are covered with mosaics of very rich floral and figurative iconography; these well preserved mosaics are often regarded as fine examples of the early Christian art period.

The city was sacked by Ostrogoth/Visigoth forces, commanded by Theodoric the Great in 472 AD and again in 479 AD. It was restored in the late 5th and early 6th century. When an earthquake struck in 518 AD, the inhabitants of Heraclea gradually abandoned the city. Subsequently, at the eve of the 7th century, the Dragovites, a Slavic tribe pushed down from the north by the Avars, settled in the area. The last coin issue dates from ca. 585, which suggests that the city was finally captured by the Slavs. As result, in place of the deserted city theatre several huts were built.

The Episcopacy Residence was excavated between 1970 and 1975. The western part was discovered first and the southern side is near the town wall. The luxury rooms are located in the eastern part. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rooms all have mosaic floors. Between the 3rd and 4th rooms there is a hole that led to the eastern entrance of the residence. The hole was purposefully created between the 4th and 6th century.

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