Tartessians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and, finally, Spaniards. Niebla has been a pivotal enclave in the
history of Southern Spain, and its castle bears eloquent witness to this. It's so well preserved that in
Summer it forms the backdrop for a theatre and dance festival. All year round, its rooms, chambers and
dungeons, whose interior design is perfectly in keeping with the era, are a veritable mediaeval museum.
A long-history town
Niebla has its ancient roots in the Iron Age, as evidenced by the Neolithic remains and dolmens - burial
chambers - that have been discovered in its environs. Throughout history different peoples have called it
by different names: for the Tartessians it was Ilipula; for the Romans, Ilipla; for the Visigoths, Elepla;
for the Muslims, Lebla; and, finally, Niebla for the Spanish.
Niebla's walled enclosure originated in the Roman period, although it was the Arabs who gave it its present
appearance. It consists of five gates and forty turrets, and its interior contains monuments such as St.
Martin's Church; the ancient Mosque of St. Mary of the Pomegranate; and the castle itself. Together with
the Gate of Succour, these make up the monuments which one visits on a classic Historical Tour of the
town.
Niebla Castle where, according to some authors, the Roman fortress was sited, retains elements of the Arab
castle (Alcázar), although its current floor plan was laid out in the 15th Century. At present, the Castle
has themed rooms which recreate past epochs - such as the Countess' Chamber, the Armoury or the very
Dungeons: two underground levels where over 30 instruments and machines of torture are exhibited.
Furthermore, from the Castle's turrets one can get a panoramic view of the River Tinto and the town.
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