Castle of Burguillos del Cerro

The Castle of Burguillos del Cerro crowns a rocky hill above the town of Burguillos del Cerro, in the province of Badajoz, in the Zafra-Río Bodión region of Extremadura, Spain. Its silhouette dominates the surrounding countryside and has done so for centuries.

What is the history behind the castle?

The earliest fortification on this site was raised under Muslim rule between the 10th and 11th centuries, when the scattered local population needed a stronghold against Christian incursions and chose this defensible hilltop. In 1228, Alfonso IX of León reconquered Burguillos, and around 1230 control passed to the Knights Templar. In 1240, Ferdinand III of Castile formally granted the settlement to the Order, which held it until the Templars were dissolved by the Council of Vienne in 1311–1312. It was the Templars who carried out the major rebuilding that gave the fortress much of the form still visible today.

After the Order's suppression, ownership of the castle changed hands several times. In 1320 the king granted the town and its castle to Alfonso Fernández Coronel, lord of Aguilar, and in 1393 the estate passed to Diego López de Zúñiga, tied to the House of Béjar. The fortress remained in noble hands for centuries until 1811, when the abolition of the feudal system by the Cortes of Cádiz made it state property.

What can you see on site?

The castle follows a quadrangular plan, reinforced by four corner towers linked by defensive walls. At its heart lies the courtyard of arms, enclosed by walls and turrets, alongside surviving cisterns that once supplied the garrison with water. The most distinctive feature is the keep, known locally as the Torre Parda, whose upper section is set back from a much heavier base, giving the tower its characteristic layered profile.

Climbing the towers rewards visitors with sweeping views over the town and the surrounding hills of Extremadura — reason enough on its own to make the ascent. Down in Burguillos del Cerro, the former Church of San Juan has been converted into an interpretation center dedicated to the Order of the Temple, offering useful context for the fortress on the hill above.

How do you get there?

Burguillos del Cerro sits in the southern part of Badajoz province, in Extremadura, well connected to nearby Zafra and other towns in the region. The castle rises directly above the town, so the final approach to its base is on foot from the historic center. Thanks to its combined heritage — the fortress together with the old town below it — Burguillos del Cerro holds the status of a Historic Ensemble (Conjunto Histórico), recognizing the significance of what has been preserved.

When is the best time to visit?

Extremadura's summers run hot, while spring and autumn bring milder, more comfortable conditions for climbing the hill and exploring the towers. Visibility from the ramparts tends to be at its best during these shoulder seasons, and the cooler air makes longer walks around the site far more pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the Castle of Burguillos del Cerro? The original fortification dates to the Muslim period (10th–11th centuries), but its present form owes much to the reconstruction carried out by the Knights Templar after around 1230.

How long did the Templars hold the castle? The Order controlled the fortress from roughly 1230 until its dissolution by the Council of Vienne in 1311–1312.

What can you see inside the castle? The courtyard of arms, old cisterns, four corner towers, and the distinctive keep known as the Torre Parda, which offers panoramic views over the area.

Is there anything else in town related to the Templars? Yes — the former Church of San Juan now houses an interpretation center dedicated to the history of the Knights Templar in the region.