It is possible to see the remains of a 14th-century stone masonry wall, which was constructed to defend Montalbán from possible attacks by Castilian armies. The walls were possibly constructed over the remains of an earlier Islamic defensive structure.
Montalbán was definitively conquered by the military order of Santiago: the members of the order founded a farm, which was used until the end of the 14th century, and protected the area surrounding it by walls. The only gates still standing are the tower and the entrance to Cárcel (which is also called Daroca and is the most important), Santa Engracia, Rambla Alta, the arch of Postigo and the one situated in Calle Zaragoza.
According to El Cantar de Mío Cid, El Cid established himself in Alucant (Olocau del Rey or Gallocanta, depending on the versions) 10 months after having left Burgos. For ten days he carried out raids, plundering the area surrounding Huesa del Común and Montalbán. The raids were not launched to conquer this region, which is why El Cid is symbolically connected to one of the entrance gates to the old wall of Montalbán: the tower of Cárcel, in the outskirts of the town.
Rev. PAB 27.12.18
