The Moorish Castle | |
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Part of Fortifications of Gibraltar | |
Extends from the Gibraltar Nature Reserve to Grand Casemates Square in Gibraltar | |
Coordinates | 36°08′38″N 5°20′59″W / 36.143882°N 5.349857°W |
Type | Castle |
Height | Approx. 100 metres (330 ft) |
Site information | |
Owner | Government of Gibraltar |
Controlled by | Moors: 711–1309 Castilians: 1309—1333 Moors: 1333–1462 Castilians: 1462–1704 Habsburgs: 1704–1713 British: 1713–present |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Partially ruined |
Site history | |
Built | c. 711 |
In use | c. 711–1945 |
The Moorish Castle is the name given to a medieval fortification in Gibraltar comprising various buildings, gates, and fortified walls, with the dominant features being the Tower of Homage and the Gate House. Part of the castle itself also housed the prison of Gibraltar until it was relocated in 2010.[1] The Tower of Homage is clearly visible to all visitors to Gibraltar; not only because of its striking construction, but also because of its dominant and strategic position. Although sometimes compared to the nearby alcazars in Spain, the Moorish Castle in Gibraltar was constructed by the Marinid dynasty, making it unique in the Iberian Peninsula.[2]
Chronice 2010
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