Medieval citadel and keep

The Medieval Citadel and Keep of Olivenza is a castle and fortified enclosure of medieval origin located in Olivenza (Badajoz), in the historic center of the town and very close to the border with Portugal. The complex is part of the defensive network that gave identity to the town and is linked to the late medieval military architecture of Portuguese roots. Its construction began in 1306, when King Dinis ordered the first wall to be built; the foundation stone was laid by Pero Lourenço do Rego and, from 1309, the Order of Avis definitively promoted the works. The Keep is contemporary to the fortress, from the 14th century, and an inscription on its arrow slits confirms that it was already advanced in 1332, in the time of Alfonso IV of Portugal. The whole responds to a medieval fortress with elements of transition and later reforms. Among its most outstanding features are the Torre del Homenaje, of great height, the interior fortress and the defensive organization of the walled enclosure. The sources describe a complex with powerful walls and several towers, conceived as a walled citadel within the fortified town itself. The tower received improvements in 1488, during the reign of Juan II, and today it is one of the main heritage landmarks of Olivenza. Its historical value lies in its being a testimony to the ancient military frontier architecture and the evolution of the town's medieval defensive system.