The town of Biar was a major stronghold in the Islamic defence of the Biar valley, a strategically important location on the borders of land conquered by the crowns of Aragon and Castile. The line of separation between the two kingdoms was fixed at the Biar pass by the Treaty of Cazorla (1179) and was later confirmed in 1244 in Almizra (Campo de Mirra), with Villena being assigned to Castile and Biar to Aragon. After laying siege to the castle for five months, Jaime I El Conquistador (the Conqueror) seized it, bringing the conquest of the kingdom of Valencia to an end. In 1287 Biar became a royal town with the right to vote in the Courts. Due to its border location, the castle played a leading role in the wars between Castile and Aragon during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Biar castle was declared a national monument on 4 June 1931.
It stands on a rocky outcrop at 750 metres above sea level and was built in the mid-12th century, during Spain’s Islamic era. The structure that still survives today
comprises a double enclosure with a surrounding wall and battlements with a walkway. There are four outer and two inner turrets arranged around the great
keep, which is square with three floors. The keep is 19 metres high and was built using limestone and sand mortar. Inside, the ceiling is thought to be one of the
oldest examples of Almohad style vaulting.
Opening hours:
Tuesday from 10:15 to 13:45. Wednesday to Friday from 10:15 to 13:45 and from 16:15 to 19:15. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:15 to 13:45. In summer (15 June - 15 September) and at Christmas, please check opening hours.
Price: €1, free for children up to the age of 6.