RUINS OF THE ARAB CASTLE OF SIURANA

It is impossible not to notice them when you arrive in the charming little village of Siurana: the ruins of the Moorish castle dominate the village and the surrounding mountains. This ninth century fortification has a very rich millennial and military history. It was an eminently strategic checkpoint for the Arabs who controlled the area at the time, functioning as a watchtower thanks to the 360° panorama that its location offered. Conquered by Ramón Berenguer IV in 1153 at the cost of hard battles, it became the residence of Bertran de Castellet and later of Albert de Castellvell. The castle was later used for several purposes, including as a prison.

One of the cliffs on which the fortification is built is called "El Salt de la Reina Mora" (the Moorish Queen's Leap) in reference to a historical episode that took place when the fortress was being taken by the Christians. An Arab queen living in the castle (legend has it that she was named Abdelazia), refusing to fall into enemy hands, chose to jump off her horse. As she galloped at full speed towards the edge of the cliff, the horse tried to stop abruptly but was nevertheless carried away with its rider. Legend has it that the trace that can be clearly seen at the edge of the cliff is that of the shoe of the recalcitrant animal.