Negra (Blanca) 1120

12th Century

We have to go to the year 713 with the arrival of the Arab conquest for finding permanent human presence in the Ricote Valley, to which place Blanca belongs. The first testimony about Blanca (Negra) brings us the remainder of its castle dating from the twelfth century.  This castle was built between 1155 and 1171 by the first King of Murcia, Muhammad ibn Mardanis, known as the Wolf King.

The castle of Blanca

                                                    Courtesy of: Town Council of Blanca

The castle of Blanca in 2000

                                                    Courtesy of: Town Council of Blanca

The castle of Blanca in 2000
Photo: Govert Westerveld

Peña Negra (volcanic black rock on which the city sits)

Photo: Govert Westerveld

Against the mountainside we see two large pillars that served as an entrance to the Moorish Castle. We note further that it was not easy to come in through that entrance which was needed to protect the castle against possible enemies. If we look closely, we see two old paths on the mountainside that were used by the Moors to walk upwards. There was no water in the castle, so they had to carry water from the river to the castle. The castle was built on a strategic point in order to protect it as well as possible against invaders. Near the castle we will see a guard post that was there before building of the castle, probably dating from the 10th century. The castle of Blanca stayed in contact with the castles in Cieza, Ojos, and Ricote via smoke signals.