This fortress, whose origins are confused with those of the city itself, dates from the Arab period, given that it defended the north-south axis towards Seville and reinforced the defensive line of the so-called cora of Firrish, although it seems to be proven that it stands on the remains of an earlier Roman castrum and possibly other military structures that were built taking advantage of the dominion that the hill on which it is located has over the Valley of the Osa.
As it stands today, the Castle of Constantina consists of a polygonal enclosure some 90 metres in diameter, which has a barbican as its outer defence, of which sufficient remains remain to confirm that it completely surrounded the enclosure. Most of this space remains and two of its seven flanking towers are still complete, enclosing circular-plan flats with magnificently constructed vaulted vaults (consolidated in 2012).
The complex is structured around a large parade ground and a large semi-buried cistern, which ensured the supply of water to the military garrison and is still in very good condition.
The entrance was angled and protected by the twelve-metre-high keep. It consisted of two floors and a roof that must have been crenellated, larger than the others and which controlled the town at the foot of the hill.
The castle was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985 under Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage. Since that declaration, some restoration and renovation work has been carried out, but this has not been able to prevent the structure from continuing to deteriorate. Despite the maintenance work carried out, in the early hours of 10 March 2010, due to the continuous rainfall, the Homage Tower collapsed.
In September of the same year, consolidation work began on the Castle of Constantina, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Provincial Council of Seville, which consisted of consolidating the roof and walls of the two towers still standing and the entire wall of the enclosure. Material was also replaced, with mortar lining, in the deteriorated areas, something that gives firmness, resistance and waterproofing to the fortress and contributes to its conservation.
Following the efforts of our authorities, in March 2011, the Ministry of Public Works allocated 75% of the cost of the reconstruction of the Keep of Constantina Castle from the funds generated by the 1% Cultural Fund for the contracting of public works. In February 2013, work began on the reconstruction of the monument due to anastylosis, and the completely rebuilt battlement was officially inaugurated on 25 June 2014.
The solidity and sobriety of the work and the harmony of the whole of this fortified enclosure, as well as the marvellous views of the surrounding locality, make this monument a place not to be missed.
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