Castillo de Suel, also known as Sohail Castle, stands majestically atop a small hill, 38 meters above sea level, on the right bank of the Fuengirola River in Fuengirola, Spain. This fortress, with its rich history and unique architectural features, has been a silent witness to the passage of time and the various civilizations that have left their mark on this region.
The origins of Castillo de Suel date back to the year 956 when the Cordovan Caliph Abd al-Rahman III ordered the construction of a small citadel on the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement known as Suel. This initial structure served as a residential area, likely centered around a watchtower, to bolster coastal defenses. The Almoravids, in the 12th century, expanded this citadel into a defensive enclosure with an irregular plan, featuring eight sections of walls reinforced by towers, forming an alcazaba.
The architectural layout of Castillo de Suel is intriguing. The fortress is built on an octagonal plan, with the main entrance oriented to the northwest. This entrance leads into the fortification via a ramp with a barbican and walkway, ultimately passing through a tower gate adorned with a horseshoe arch and defensive elements. The perimeter is composed of thick walls topped with a walkway, connected by several watchtowers or flanking towers situated at the angles. The tallest tower is located at the northern end, originally serving as the entrance, while another prominent tower to the west features battlements and is accessed via a narrow spiral staircase.
The construction of the fortress utilized various methods and materials, reflecting the diverse inhabitants who occupied its spaces over the centuries. Stone masonry with brick courses, a material widely used by the Romans, was employed, along with rammed earth and ashlar masonry to reinforce certain parts of the structure. Today, the hill on which the castle stands is isolated by the A-7 motorway, which once connected it to the opposite hill through a valley, forming a crucial passageway for travelers between Marbella and other destinations.
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Throughout its history, Castillo de Suel has been a strategic and coveted location, continuously inhabited by Phoenicians, Punics, Romans, Muslims, and Christians. The geographical and strategic advantages of the hill made it an ideal site for settlement and defense. Remnants of Roman constructions, such as garum production pools, can still be found at the foot of the hill near the promenade, attesting to the area's rich historical significance.
The fortress we see today is a result of numerous reconstructions and adaptations over the centuries. The Almoravid origins are evident despite the absence of a keep. On August 7, 1485, during the Reconquista, the castle was conquered by Christian forces, leading to significant destruction and subsequent reconstruction. The fortress underwent several architectural changes to suit the needs of its various occupants.
In the 16th century, the main tower ceased to serve as the entrance, and a new entryway was created. The eastern tower was demolished to make way for a cannon battery, and a machicolation was added, facing the sea. During the Peninsular War, on February 8, 1810, the French army, led by Napoleon, captured the castle. Eight months later, on October 15, General Sir Andrew Thomas Blayney, XI Baron of Blayney, landed on the beaches of Fuengirola with a combined Anglo-Spanish force of 2,500 soldiers. The ensuing Battle of Fuengirola saw Blayney captured by the French, who received reinforcements from General Sebastiani.
On April 16, 1812, General Ballesteros recaptured Fuengirola and the castle for the Spanish. As the French evacuated, they blew up the southwest tower and parts of the adjacent walls, which were never rebuilt. However, a new wall with loopholes was constructed, enclosing the previously open perimeter.
In 1969, the last private owner, Leopoldo Werne de Bolin, undertook restoration efforts. In 1989, the castle became part of the municipal heritage, and a comprehensive consolidation and rehabilitation project was initiated. From 1990 to 1997, the Castle Sohail Workshop School carried out restoration work, transforming the interior and access areas to serve as an auditorium. Since then, the annual Festival Ciudad de Fuengirola has been held at the castle, and since 2000, the venue has also hosted Las Noches del Castillo events.
Visitors to Castillo de Suel can delve into its rich history and architectural splendor. The fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a glimpse into the strategic importance of its location. The interior has been adapted to host cultural events, making it a vibrant hub of activity and a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic site.
A visit to Castillo de Suel is not just a journey through history but an opportunity to experience the cultural evolution of Fuengirola. The fortress stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped this region over the centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, Castillo de Suel promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.
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