Ibn Marwan on the Lamb in Alange, Spain
Imagine the Caliph’s entire army hot on your tail and you with around a hundred guys on your side. Where would you want to hole up? The answer is here. High atop a mountain smack in the middle of one of Spain’s most productive wine regions lies the ruins of a castle where, back in the 9th century, a Christian convert to Islam, Ibn Marwan, held off all the Caliph’s men for three months only to be forced to surrender due to lack of water. History has its irony as today the castle ruins overlook one of Spain’s largest reservoirs. Climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular views and then come down and pamper yourself in another unexpected quirk, the luxurious spa, Balneario de Alange at the bottom of the hill, which has been soaking tired bones since togas were the local fashion.
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Originally published on Trazzler
