Introduction to Sohail Castle
Sohail Castle, an architectural gem situated in Fuengirola, has been a preferred destination for locals and visitors alike, attracting almost 1,000,000 people over the past decade. The castle’s stunning location overlooking the ocean on the Costa del Sol, combined with its wealthy history, makes it an excellent spot for learning and exploration. The Marenostrum music festival, which takes place on the hill below the fortress in the course of the summer months, has also contributed to its popularity.
Embracing New Technologies
In an effort to further promote Sohail Castle as a tourist attraction, the town hall of Fuengirola has decided to leverage latest technologies. A contract has been put out to tender, with a budget of 130,121 euros, to create a 3D model and virtual reality tour of the traditional fortress. The chosen company can be answerable for developing an immersive virtual experience that mixes historical reconstruction and virtual reality, designed to teach and promote the castle.
The Virtual Reality Experience
The project involves the 3D modeling of characters and scenarios, which will be explored through virtual reality glasses. This progressive approach won’t only provide a greater understanding of the castle’s history but in addition offer a singular and fascinating experience for visitors. By using virtual reality, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the castle in a more immersive and interactive way, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
History of Sohail Castle
Early Beginnings
The construction of Sohail Castle dates back to 956AD, when the Cordoban caliph Abderramán III ordered the constructing of a small citadel on the ruins of a Greco-Latin settlement. The castle was strategically situated to strengthen coastal defenses and played a vital role within the surveillance of the coast and the Fuengirola river.
The Middle Ages and Beyond
In the twelfth century, the Almoravids built a defensive enclosure with an irregular ground plan, featuring eight partitions supported by towers. The castle was later taken by the Christians in the course of the Reconquest in 1485 and was rebuilt after being destroyed. During the War of Independence, the French army seized the castle, nevertheless it was later recovered by the Spanish. Unfortunately, the French troops damaged the castle during their evacuation, and it fell into private ownership over the centuries.
Restoration and Revival
By the Eighties, Sohail Castle had fallen right into a state of disrepair, with abundant vegetation and ruined partitions threatening to erase it from existence. Fortunately, the town hall of Fuengirola intervened, and the castle was reconstructed, becoming a tourist reference point and hosting various leisure and cultural activities.
Conclusion
Sohail Castle is a treasure trove of history and culture, and its promotion as a tourist attraction is a step in the best direction. By embracing latest technologies and making a virtual reality experience, the town hall of Fuengirola is ensuring that the castle’s wealthy history and sweetness are preserved and shared with the world. As a result, visitors from across the globe will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate this architectural gem, making it a must-visit destination for years to return.
