The Keep
It is the highest tower of the fortress and the last refuge of the castle in case of siege, hence the base of it was used as a warehouse. The access was located on the first floor.
Its interior is divided into three floors covered with brick vaults. Thus on the ground floor, from a central pillar start the palm-tree arches that form the four vaults of which it is composed. The first floor is covered with a brick vault and pointed stone arch. On the second floor, a beautiful polygonal vault covers this room. The room was used by the authority of the castle.
The Keep consists of defensive elements such as arrow slits, where arrows were launched from, and machicolations, which are small balconies from where all kind of elements were thrown to fight the enemy. It was temporary home to Constable Miguel Lucas de Iranzo and his wife Teresa de Torres, who ruled the city in the second half of the 15th century.
Ladies Tower
It is the castle’s gate tower, it was used as the sleeping room for part of the garrison. In this room, covered by a pointed brick vault, there is a permanent exhibition on the archaeological remains belonging to the old Islamic palace that existed inside the castle; and a model of the castle. Do not forget to go upstairs to its terrace, where you will contemplate amazing views of the surroundings, the castle and the city from.
Albarranas Towers
These two towers, which had a strongly defensive function, are separated from the main wall by an arched bridge. One of them was transformed into a chapel in the 15th century, on the occasion of Constable Iranzo’s sister wedding. It is nowadays the chapel of the co-patron saint of Jaén: Santa Catalina de Alejandria, whose pilgrimage is held every November 25th.
Wacht Tower
It is the pentagonal and main watchtower of the castle and therefore, the scenery from its terrace will take your breath away: the city, the walls, the mountains and some of the nearby villages. Taking into account its function and position, the tower has played an important role as a point of communication with other castles and watchtowers, especially in times of danger.
Latrines Tower
This tower houses the old latrines, which were used as a toilet and rubbish dump in medieval times, as well as toilets during the Napoleonic Invasion. Curiously, it also has a ventilation system.
