Castle of Alburquerque, Badajoz

Alburquerque Castle (Castillo de Alburquerque, also known as Castillo de Luna) is a late-medieval fortress standing on a rocky hill above the town of Alburquerque in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, only a short drive from the Portuguese border.

How do you get there?

Alburquerque sits roughly 40 minutes by car north of Badajoz, and regional buses run several times a day from the city if you'd rather skip the drive. The castle dominates the town's skyline, so once you're in Alburquerque you simply head uphill toward the rock outcrop — the final stretch is on foot up a steep lane, but it only takes a few minutes.

What will you see?

The fortress sits on a defensible rocky spur, a position that made it nearly impossible to storm for centuries. Records place a fortification here as far back as the 9th century, during the Andalusian period, though little physical evidence from that era survives. The area was taken from Muslim rule in 1166 by King Ferdinand II of León, who handed it to the Order of Santiago. Most of what still stands, however, dates from Portuguese rule starting in 1276 under Alfonso Sánchez, whose coats of arms and inscriptions can still be seen above the Alcántara and Valencia gates.

In the 15th century, Álvaro de Luna — Master of the Order of Santiago and Constable of Castile — took charge of the castle, giving it its second name. Between 1445 and 1453 he built some of its most important features, including the keep and a striking bridge carried on a pointed (ogival) arch leading into the fortress. After 1465, Beltrán de la Cueva, the first Duke of Alburquerque, added palatial chambers, new defensive barbicans, and a distinctive five-sided tower, the Torre de las Cinco Puntas, completed around 1472.

A visit takes in several rings of defensive walls and the keep itself, internally divided into five levels and reached via the old bridge with its drawbridge. From the top, the views stretch out over the town and the surrounding hills toward the Portuguese frontier — reason enough on their own to make the trip.

The castle was declared a National Monument in 1924 and listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Spain's highest heritage protection category) in 1933.

When is the best time to visit?

The castle is open Wednesday to Sunday and on public holidays, from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 19:30. Visits are guided and free of charge, though groups are asked to book ahead through the local tourist office.

Clear winter days tend to give the best views, since the air is sharper and visibility extends further across the plains. If you'd rather see the castle in full swing, plan around mid-August, when Alburquerque hosts its Medieval Festival: a costumed parade, a re-enacted medieval wedding, and a knights' tournament that bring the walls back to life for a few days each year.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No — guided visits are free, but they only run during the fixed opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday.

How long does a visit take? A standard guided tour usually takes around an hour, depending on group size.

Is the castle suitable for children? Yes, though expect steep approaches and stairs inside the keep, so comfortable footwear is worth packing.

Why is it also called Castillo de Luna? After Álvaro de Luna, the 15th-century Constable of Castile who expanded the fortress and built its keep between 1445 and 1453.