Sohail Castle, or Fuengirola Castle, towers above the main A7 motorway as you enter Fuengirola from the west. An imposing fortified structure dating back centuries, the castle and grounds are now a tourist attraction and event venue.
Sohail Castle
The Castillo de Sohail is situated right at the mouth of the Fuengirola River, on a small isolated mountain that climbs 38 meters above sea level and adjacent into the Costa del Sol Motorway. Which makes it a privileged point of view with views within a broad coast area dominated by the Sierra de Mijas Mountains and inside the municipal boundaries of Fuengirola. The magnificent geographical conditions of this has enabled the continuous settlement of those hillsides by the Phoenicians and the Romans since early times. Throughout the Caliphate era a very first building was built on the ancient ruins – a fire tower perhaps- of that few archaeological and documentary particulars remain.
Live Music & Events at Fuengirola Castle
Fuengirola Castle has long been an excellent music venue! An extraordinary setting in this fantastic, historic castle, Sohail hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Marenostrum Feungirola is an annual event at Sohail Castle. From June/July to September the Marenostrum festival brings a huge range of music and bands to the castle. An excellent venue with a unique atmosphere, the Marenostrum festival is just spectacular. The prestigious event has included such mega-names as Jennifer López, Ricky Martin, Bob Dylan, Sting, Alejandro Fernández, Santana and Manuel Carrasco, among many others in its schedule of shows including flamenco, pop, rock, Latin music and metal.
Beer Festival: Throughout July, the castle hosts the excellent beer festival, in honour of the Oktoberfest in Munich. You can sample dishes from Germany and, of course, lots and lots of beer!
- Banksy in Fuengirola?
- Fuengirola Promenade (El Paseo)
- Rock Cairns on the Beach in Fuengirola
- Rocket to the Moon, from Cape Fuengirola
- Sohail Castle, Fuengirola
Afterwards, in the twelfth century, the Almoravids raised a defensive enclosure with an uneven floor plan, adapted to the slopes of the terrain. In 1485 the Castillo de Sohail was occupied by the Christian armies battling from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. From this time the army complex underwent an unavoidable process of architectural reformation that led with time to its present appearance. Soon after the castle lost its military function and was disposed of by public auction. The change to civilian hands initiated a period of negligence that was only interrupted in the second 50% of the twentieth century.
An Ancient Fortified Castle
The restoration works have led to the recovery of the Castillo de Sohail as the site where the folks of Fuengirola have rediscovered their History and where distinct cultural events are held, like the renowned Festival of the Town of Fuengirola, the Medieval Market and the Beer Festival. Sohail Castle is located west of Fuengirola off the A7 heading towards Marbella. The castle has a bloody history built originally by the Moors, Taken over by the Christians in 1485.
Napoleon’s troops took control in 1810. Spanish and British forces attempted to take control in 1811, but failed in a remarkable struggle in which under the command of Lord Blayney had the castle outside manned by ten to one and completely out gunned, but failed to take the castle and got himself captured throughout the struggle.
Get Ready for the Holiday Season!
The Spanish regained control in 1812. Then there was not any real use of the castle and it fell into disrepair through neglect. In 1989 the castle was restored as a tourist attraction. Throughout the summer month concerts and festivals are held around the castle. Even though there isn’t a great deal to see in the castle it’s still worth the walk up the mountain to it.
NEWS: Food and music in Fuengirola castle to raise funds for AECC cancer support https://t.co/OS5molFCm3 pic.twitter.com/xpOqOKExSG
— think SPAIN (@ThinkSpain) September 28, 2021
The view of the city and the madrasah is worth the climb. To learn more on Sohail Castle in Fuengirola, including an interactive google map for directions from your present position see below. Opinions differ on the origin of the castle, with the dates of its own construction which range from the 10th to the 12th centuries. These days, Sohail Castle is among the most significant emblems of Fuengirola. Many cultural events are held there and it became nearly an icon in the music world in Andalucía.
Opening Schedule
WINTER OPENING HOURS: From Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 am – 2 pm // 3:30 pm – 6 pm. SUMMER OPENING HOURS: From Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 am – 2 pm // 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Monday closed (except public holidays). Also closed on December 25th, January 1st, January 6th and in case of event.
Price: Free admission.
More on the Costa del Sol
- Benalmádena
- Cabopino
- Estepona
- Fuengirola
- La Cala de Mijas
- Málaga
- Marbella
- Mijas Pueblo. A Beautiful ‘White Town’ in Andalusia.
- Puerto Banús
- Ronda. A Stunning Bridge & Beautiful Andalusian Town.
- San Pedro de Alcántara
- Sitio de Calahonda
- Torremolinos
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