Castillo Sohail Fuengirola

Sohail Castle of Fuengirola

The castle is located alongside the N340 highway as you aproach Fuengirola from the Cadiz direction. The castle is perched high on the hill, next to the sea. It is exactly on the mouth of the Fuengirola River and stands 38 metres above sea level. The good geographical location has encouraged since ancient times, the construction of a fort on this hill. The present construction dates from the 12th century and was built by the Almoravides. It has eight walls, reinforced by the same number of towers.

In 1485 the castle was occupied by the Christian army which was fighting against the Nazari Kingdom of Granada. In the 16th century the entrance to the enclosure was in the north wall, not the main tower. One of the east towers was demolished to build a platform for cannons. In 1730 the Count of Montemar carried out new improvements in order to quarter a cavalry unit. Stables, stores and new quarters buildings were added.During the War of Independence, in 1810, the castle was occupied by the French army but was abandoned two years later in the retreat. A few years later the castle lost it's military function and was sold in auction. It began to fall into ruins until the 1950's.

The current restoration began in 1989 when it was incorporated into the Municipal Heritage. It was to incorporate a large centre where artistic shows could be held as well as being open to the public. In recent months, extensive remodelling of the gardens and car parks has been underway and the castle is now easily accessed. Plans are now underway to light the castle with a massive scheme of artistic lights.
The castle can be visited every day except Mondays, between 10am and 2.30pm and between 4pm and 6pm.
This castle was the setting for a TV commercial advertising a brand of lager (where they claimed football was discovered, remember ?).