Castle

The russet-coloured, Lego-like castle has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. It was restored in 1835 and you can walk around its chunky sandstone walls, which today enclose unfinished archaeological digs that reveal the site’s Roman and pre-Roman past. In the north wall you can see a treason gate (an escape route through which turncoats would sometimes let the enemy in), typical of castles at the time. The Moorish occupation is recalled by a deep well and a rosy-coloured water cistern, 5m deep. Inside, the cistern’s four vaults are supported by 10 columns. Probably built in the 11th century, by the 16th century the castle was abandoned. Recently the castle has been restored – an interior walkway has been constructed, as has a modern brick cafe. Tragically, this incongruous building is unsympathetic to the surrounds (what were they thinking?); it was yet to be opened at time of research. Prices may increase once it’s finally completed.