We Visit The Castle Of Santa Ana In Roquetas De Mar
The castle of Santa Ana is the great jewel of Roquetas de Mar, in Almería. A sober but beautiful building, magnificently rebuilt and that today, far from its former defensive function, is a space in which art and culture play a prominent role.
History of the castle of Santa Ana in Roquetas de Mar
The castle of Santa Ana, also known as the castle of Las Roquetas, is the authentic emblem of the city. The origin of the building that we know today dates back to the 16th century. However, already in the fourteenth century a defensive tower was erected in the same place that was erected by order of the Nasrid monarch Yufuf I.
The objective of the construction of this fortification was to protect the shipment of salt from the salt flats, at a time when attacks by pirates and corsairs to steal what was then a highly valued product were not uncommon.
A castle with a troubled history. In the seventeenth century earthquakes and attacks by Turkish ships caused significant damage. But it was not restored and expanded until a century later. However, a strong earthquake that occurred in the 19th century would leave the castle in ruins, only the bastion and the towers would survive.
Santa Ana castle news
Well into the 20th century, reconstruction plans would begin, which would end in 2003 and would return this castle to its old splendor.
From this moment on, the fortress would be converted into a space dedicated to culture. Thus, its rooms have exhibited works by provincial, national and international artists.
Cultural life in the castle
All artistic manifestations have a place in this beautiful venue. In recent years it has been possible to see exhibitions of painting, sculpture or photography.
But it is also a venue for seminars, talks and conferences. And, when the good weather arrives, its interior patio comes to life to host other types of activities, such as theatrical performances or concerts.
In this way, in a few years the castle of Roquetas de Mar has become one of the most important cultural centers in Andalusia. A place that has enlivened and enriched the life of a town that in recent decades has grown considerably thanks to tourism.
The interior of the castle of Santa Ana
After the reconstruction works of the fortress, its interior was divided into three different spaces that allow to host different activities simultaneously.
In the inner courtyard of the castle we find the Interpretation Center. In this place there are two rooms for exhibitions and conferences, all with a cultural character. On the other hand, it has a cloister where musical and institutional events are held, in addition to being used for the expansion of the exhibitions.
On the first floor of the castle we can see permanent exhibitions. In fact, there is the photographic exhibition Fragments of a life that passes , by Jesús de Perceval, a renowned artist from Almeria. There are also works by artists who have exhibited in the castle of Santa Ana over the years.
The second floor of the castle of Santa Ana was decorated as if it were the cabin of a ship, the perfect setting for the exhibition of naval models. In addition, you can access the battlements to admire wonderful views of Roquetas de Mar.
Other facts about Castillo de Santa Ana
Before visiting it, there are other aspects that you should also know about the castle of Santa Ana in Roquetas de Mar. For example, the castle has been recognized as an asset of cultural interest (BIC) and there are free and guided visits from Tuesday to Saturday at 11 : 30.
And when you get there, be sure to contemplate and visit the lighthouse, another beautiful building that has been transformed into a cultural space.
