Large enclosure

 castle, ruins, listed building / architectural heritage

The large enclosure (a squared structure with a 167m side) has an outer structure of stone and reinforced with twenty-eight towers and four entrance gates, one for each facade. Apparently, it was an administrative living center with axial streets connecting four main gates. Within the walls, all arranged around the central courtyard, were located twelve units of the same dimensions but with different plans and functions: the mosque, a “productive” centre with two olive press rooms, an “administrative” centre, six living units and three units (in the corners) apparently without a specific function. A large cistern with an elaborate system of canalizations leading to the region outside the wall was also included in the complex.
The living units of the building share a similar shape and arrangement, with rooms opening to small squared interior courtyards, one for each unit, and/or to the main large courtyard at the center which hosted a water tank. The articulation of the plan suggests that it was also conceived as a transit stop for merchants making their route.