Taproom Artifact: Zorita Castle

Zorita Castle is depicted in this picture. In the ninth century, a Muslim fortress (known as an alcazaba) was constructed to protect a large Muslim population near the former Roman Town of Recopolis. The castle, eventually known as Zorita, existed in relative peace for many years until civil war broke out in Moorish Spain. Zorita Castle stood in the center of the conflict and was occupied by various Muslim factions as they battled for supremacy. In 1074 while under duress, the Berber leader of Toledo called upon Alfonso VI, King of the Christian kingdom of Leon and Castile for assistance. As payment for his support, control of Zorita Castle was ceded to Alfonso. Over the following hundred years, the castle changed hands multiple times between the Christian and Muslim as the power shifted between these warring enemies. Around 1130, the castle was won by the Christians and was never again occupied by Muslims.  

In 1158, the Order of Calatrava, a crusading order of the Knights Templar was founded. After losing a battle, they relocated their headquarters to Zorita Castle in 1195. During their occupation, many of the most impressive elements of the castle were built or expanded including the walls of the fortress, the church, the Albarrana Tower and the “Iron Gate”, the original Moorish entrance to the fortress from the town below. In the 13th century the Castilian king declared there would be only three bridges over the Tagus River across which goods could be legally transported. This allowed for the taxing of transported goods and elevated Zorita’s importance for both the King, the Calatrava Order, and the town.  

In 1545 a flood destroyed the bridge over the Tagus River and in 1565 the crown sold Zorita to the Duke of Pastrana and his wife, the Princess of Éboli. By this time the castle existed in rather poor shape. While they made modest improvements, the castle was sold again in 1723 by which time it was largely an abandoned ruin. In the 20th century, the first archaeological exploration of the castle was launched. Today, Zorita Castle is the site of ongoing archaeological and restoration efforts. As several of our Lost Worlds associates conducted excavations at Zorita Castle, it was only proper to name our hazy IPA after this iconic fortress. 

Notable Fact: The Order of Calatrava was one of the primary inspirations for the Nights Watch in “Game of Thrones” due to their level of commitment to their vows.