This spectacular fortress was built by the Almohad Empire at the end of the twelfth century, as a refuge for the Muslim population of Villena. The interior wall and the two first floors of the keep with their two impressive vaults, unique in Spain’s castles, along with the fortress of Biar, date back to this period.

James I conquered the castle in 1240 and, after the signing of the Treaty of Almizra, the Seigneury of Villena passed into the domain of the Manuel family, first feudal lords. In the 14th century, the Prince of Villena was the famous writer Juan Manuel, author of El Conde Lucanor. His second wife, the Infanta Constanza de Aragón, also lived in the castle which forced him to carry out the first reforms. In the 15th century, the castle was ruled by the powerful Pacheco family, the Marquesses of Villena, who added two new floors to the tower and built the second wall. In 1476, the Catholic Monarchs seized the castle from the Pachecos after a tough siege, of which numerous projectiles remain in the bailey.

During the following centuries, the castle was involved in the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, the Wars of Succession and Independence, as shown by the formidable artillery impacts evident today and the graffiti made by prisoners in the tower.

ATTENTION

  • The guided tours start punctually, so please arrive early enough to buy the tickets.
  • If you come to Villena from the A31 motorway, take the Villena Sur exit and follow the signs to Castillo de la Atalaya.
  • For visitors’ safety, Atalaya Castle will remain closed during electric storms.
  • Animals are not allowed to enter, except for guide dogs.
  • Villena Tourism is not responsible for tourist information regarding the Castle given on other websites.

Schedule for visit

Mornings: Tuesday to Sunday, Bank Holidays and Mondays on the eve of holidays open from 10:00 to 14:00 h. without guide. Guided tours at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30, upon reservation.
Afternoons: Tuesday to Saturday open from 16:00 to 19:00 h. Guided tour at 16:30, upon reservation.
Closed: Monday all day, Sunday afternoon and holidays afternoon.
Closed the afternoon on 24th December, 31th December and 5th January.
Closed all day on 25th December, 1st January and 6th January.  

Tours without guide are available until 13:20 h y 17:20 h. 


Tickets sale at the Tourist Info office at Villena Castle (next to the fortress) and the Tourist Info Office in Villena (Plaza de Santiago).

Price 3€ (1.5€ with discount)Free entrance for minors under the age of 7.

* Terms and conditions:
Tickets online can be bought through Spain Heritage Network (Castillos y Palacios de España), which entails an increase of 16.53% + IVA (spanish VAT) in administration fees. Therefore, the final prices are:
– General Ticket: 3,60 €
– Ticket with discount: 1,80 €
– Under 7 years old: 0 €
For unguided tours, tickets can be bought at the Tourist Info Offices (located in C/General Prim, 2 or in Plaza de Santiago, 5).
Changes on the date or hour of the ticket are not allowed. Ticket will not be valid after the date of its purchase.

Virtual experiences

Visit virtual tour of the Atalaya´s castle

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360º guided tour of the Atalaya's Castle

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360º virtual reality video

360º guided tour of the Atalaya's Castle

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