La Suda Castle

An impressive fortress of Muslim origin elevated on a small mound on the banks of the river Ebro. From its privileged position, 59 meters above sea level, the castle of Suda dominates the ancient quarter of Tortosa. Declared Heritage of Cultural Interest, the monument stands out for the multitude of defensive towers, of several forms: pentagonal, circular and square. The complex is an exceptional lookout over the city and the Ebro valley. The ensemble is an exceptional lookout over the city and the Ebro valley.

The fortress is a faithful witness of the history of the bimillennial city of Tortosa. It was built in the 10th century, under the caliphate of Abderramán III, atop of the ruins of an ancient Roman acropolis. From the Islamic period only the base and the layout of the walls, the well and the necropolis are preserved. After the Christian conquest of the city in 1148, the castle became a prison, a templary residence, seat of the court of justice and royal palace. During the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries it was successively adapted to the new military defense requirements, with the construction of several forts in the adjacent hills.

Many years of abandonment and the destruction suffered during the wars have transformed the enclosure into ruins. Restored and largely rebuilt in the early 80's, the castle now houses a modern parador hotel.

Highlights

✔ The Arab well that gives the name to the castle, of great diameter and depth. Destined to supply water to the fortress, the well is located in the center of the open courtyard.
✔ The Tubal tower, also known popularly as the Diamond point, located at the end of the mound, above the cathedral. From this circular tower the visitor get a perfect view of the city and the Ebro valley.
✔ The keep, fully restored during the conversion of the castle into hotel.
✔ The Islamic necropolis, the only open-air Arab cemetery preserved in Catalonia.