The Pozo de los Moros, an ancient rainwater collection system in Aledo

Aledo, La Torreta, Pozo de los Moros

One of the most interesting aspects about the fortifications dating from the Middle Ages in Aledo is the system used for catching and storing rainwater.

The ability to withstand sieges for long periods of time was one of the most important features of any walled fortification, and in Aledo engineers developed an ingenious system to access natural rainwater sources.

The castle is high up on a promontory of rock, so the engineers cut channels in a series of steps into the rock face, directing rainfall down into an opening. This fed down into a deep well below the surface of the rock, accessed via a passageway and a spiral staircase cut into the rock. Water was stored in a deep natural subterranean pool and could be extracted and carried up to the castle during siege situations.

To protect the staircase and water stores, a defensive tower was built, covering the entrance. Looking at the castle from the western side, the protective tower, known as La Torreta, can clearly be seen.

Exiting from the castle, a pathway leads straight down the hillside to the valley below, and it is possible to see the tower standing below the castle, although the access is blocked off due to the dangers of going down into the subterranean well.

Visitors to the Torre del Homenaje in Aledo can view a video about this subject shown in the Interpretation centre on the ground floor: ask the guide to make sure he or she shows you this particular video.

There is a small entry fee to the tower, which is well worth paying as it's the only form of income for the council and covers the expense of keeping the tower open for visitors.