Original headquarters of the Order of Calatrava, this ancient city-fortress was founded by the Umayyads at the end of the 8th century, being part of the territories of al-Andalus for four centuries. When it passed to Castile in the middle of the 12th century, it was one of the first possessions of the Order of the Temple. When it was abandoned by this order, it was the origin and first headquarters of the Order of Calatrava, until it was replaced by the castle of Calatrava la Nueva.
It is one of the most important archaeological sites of Islamic origin in the Iberian Peninsula. Of its defensive structure, its walls and moat stand out, as well as the watchtowers. The medina and the suburbs were the center of urban life within the walls, while the fortress housed the rooms of the leaders.