Burgalimar Castle: Spain's Oldest Castle and How to Visit (2026)

Looking for Spain's oldest castle? While visiting Baeza on a trip to Jaen, we made the spur-of-the-moment decision to add Castillo Burgalimar to our itinerary before returning home.

Spain's oldest castle might be a 30-minute drive from nearby Jaen or Baeza, but it is worth the trip if you want to see a true piece of Spanish history.

As a South African girl, castles were once just pages in fairy tales. Now, walking through Spain's oldest fortress walls, I am living the dream I never thought possible.

Although the town of Banos de la Encina is relatively small, there are a few other attractions that make the trip worth the detour, too.

This is everything you need to know if you are wondering whether Spain's oldest castle should be on your Spain bucket list.

What Is the Oldest Castle in Spain?

The title belongs to Burgalimar Castle, built in 967 AD during the height of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Back then, the powerful Caliph Al-Hakam II ordered its construction as part of a line of strongholds protecting the southern frontier of Al-Andalus.

You will find it in the small Andalusian town of Banos de la Encina, just north of Jaen city and within easy reach of Granada and Cordoba.

The fortress has survived more than a thousand years, with its 15 towers still standing guard over the town. It is an incredible feat given that most of its walls are made not of stone, but rammed earth (tapial), a type of ancient adobe strengthened with lime.

From above, the castle forms an elegant oval shape, about 100 meters long and 50 meters wide. It is also known as the "Castle of the Seven Kings" because it has been ruled by seven different monarchs throughout its history.

Burgalimar Castle History

Before the first tower was ever raised, this hilltop had already seen millennia of life.

Archaeological finds reveal traces of Copper Age, Iberian, and Roman settlements. But the story that gave the site its fame begins with Al-Hakam II, whose vision for a chain of fortresses stretched across Sierra Morena.

Built under the guidance of the general Galib, Burgalimar (originally "Bury al-Hamman," or "Castle of the Baths") was a symbol of caliphal power.

Its strategic position allowed control over the north-south routes crossing the mountains. A plaque that once hung on its door, now in the Archaeological Museum of Madrid, confirms the 967 AD construction date.

After the fall of the caliphate, the fortress changed hands repeatedly during the long Muslim-Christian conflicts of the 11th and 12th centuries.

Ferdinand III of Castile finally took it in 1225 and then granted it to the Order of Santiago. The Christians later added the Tower of Homage, the square keep you can still climb today for sweeping views of the surrounding olive hills.

Despite wars and invasions, Burgalimar was never destroyed.

Declared a National Monument in 1931, it remains one of Spain's best-preserved examples of Moorish military architecture. The castle is now recognized by the European Union as a site of exceptional heritage, and you will see the EU flag flying alongside the Spanish flag at the entrance.

Is Burgalimar Castle Worth Visiting?

That is a tricky one. The trip to the castle is as much about exploring and taking in the scenery as the castle itself.

The castle is beautiful and unlike any castle I have seen so far in Spain, making it one-of-a-kind, at least for me. Unlike the grand Alhambra or the clifftop fortresses of the coast, Burgalimar is raw and ancient, built from earth rather than stone.

Once inside, the area is pretty bare: a wide, flat space without much to really poke around in and explore.

You can climb the stairs to the walls and then up to one of the four parapets, but that is about it. The views from the Tower of Homage over the endless olive groves of Jaen province are stunning.

It is a beautiful piece of history, with a few things to do nearby, but whether it is worth the detour is up to you. If you are already visiting Baeza, Ubeda, or Jaen, the 30-45 minute drive makes it an easy addition.

Burgalimar Castle Ticket Prices and Opening Times

Visiting the castle is surprisingly affordable.

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 6.50 euros
• Children: 3.50 euros
• Guided tours run several times a day and are worth joining for the historical context

Tour times (approximate):

• Morning: 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:00 noon
• Afternoon: 7:15pm, 8:00pm
• Tours last approximately 45 minutes
• Tours are conducted in Spanish only

The tours start at the Banos de la Encina Tourist Office, located just a short walk from the entrance. Inside, you will see the cistern, remains of medieval quarters, and the main parade ground, where soldiers once drilled beneath the sun.

How to Get to Burgalimar Castle

Banos de la Encina sits about 15 minutes north of Bailen, just off the A-4 motorway, making it an easy detour if you are driving between Madrid and Andalusia's southern cities.

Driving times:

• From Jaen: 45 minutes
• From Baeza: 30 minutes
• From Cordoba: 1 hour 20 minutes
• From Granada: 1 hour 40 minutes
• From Madrid: 3 hours (directly on the A-4 route south)

There is no direct train or bus to the castle, so driving is the best option. Once in Banos de la Encina, follow the signs uphill toward "Castillo de Burgalimar." The road narrows near the top, so park before the steep final bend if the lot is full.

Where to Park

There is free public parking in the lower streets of Banos de la Encina, near the Plaza de la Constitucion (look for the sign above). From there, it is a 5-minute uphill walk to the gate.

If you drive closer, you will find a few marked spots right below the castle entrance, though larger vehicles may struggle with the tight turns.

Other Things to Do in Banos de la Encina

Ermita del Jesus del Llano

Just a few minutes walk down the road is the beautiful Ermita del Jesus del Llano church. We came at the wrong time, so we could not get a look inside, but we did have a drink and free tapas (my favourite) at a tavern just outside in the lovely courtyard.

The Windmill

Perfect for a quick picture, and the views from the top were worth pausing for.

Ruta del Bronce to the Dam

At the edge of the town is a short hike called the Ruta del Bronce.

If you visited the castle, you would have noticed the nearby dam. The route follows a small trail, at the end of which is a small dam where you can relax and dip your toes in the water.

At Tramujoso beach, you can rent a kayak or sit under the pines with a picnic.

Nearby Cities Worth Exploring

Jaen

Jaen is the largest of the nearby cities, and as we discovered on a recent trip, it is hard to cover in a single day. The attractions like the grand cathedral, Arab baths, museums, and more are spread all over the city.

If you have a full day or more, then read our guide to things to do in Jaen to see why this city should be on your list.

Baeza and Ubeda

If visiting Spain's oldest castle is something that excites you, then Baeza and Ubeda are strong contenders for your travel itinerary.

We only made it to Baeza on this trip, but both cities feel like they have not changed in a thousand years. This is one of the places where I have put down Google Maps and just wandered.

If you would like to see more about Baeza, you can read my One Day in Baeza Guide.

Other Castles Near Burgalimar

If you are exploring castles in Andalucia, here are some other fortresses worth visiting:

• Santa Catalina Castle (Jaen): A dramatic hilltop fortress overlooking Jaen city, now a Parador hotel with stunning views
• La Mota Fortress (Alcala la Real): One of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Andalucia
• Alcazaba de Antequera: Moorish fortress with panoramic views and well-preserved walls
• Alhambra (Granada): The most famous palace-fortress in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Burgalimar is unique among these for being the oldest and for its rammed-earth construction. Most other Andalusian castles were built later using stone.