Castle of Mesones de Isuela

The Castle of Mesones de Isuela, in the village of Mesones de Isuela in the province of Zaragoza, is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Aragón. Built entirely of stone in a region where brick construction dominates, its six cylindrical towers still rise dramatically over the surrounding countryside.

What is the history behind the castle?

The site's origins go back to the 12th century, when Sancha de Abiego donated the land to the Knights Templar in 1175. The order held it until its dissolution in the 14th century. The fortress seen today, however, dates from later: in 1379 the Archbishop of Zaragoza, Lope Fernández de Luna, ordered the construction of a much grander stronghold intended to defend the frontier during the War of the Two Pedros, fought between Aragón and Castile. The work was left unfinished at his death in 1382, and the estate passed to his sister Toda and later to her nephew, Pedro Ximénez de Urrea.

What will you see?

The fortified complex covers more than three thousand square meters and is defined by six massive cylindrical towers, three along the north side and three along the south, connected by thick stone curtain walls. Unlike most fortifications in the surrounding Aranda district, which are built in brick, Mesones de Isuela is constructed entirely in stone, giving it an unusually austere, monumental presence. Inside, the castle combined military and residential functions, with barracks, dungeons and stables alongside kitchens, a great hall and open courtyards.

The building's most remarkable feature is its chapel and crypt, commissioned by Archbishop Lope Fernández de Luna as a place of private worship. Its coffered wooden ceiling is richly decorated in Mudéjar style, and the surviving painted decoration inside the chapel ranks among the finest examples of this art form in Aragón, a tradition that blends Christian and Islamic craftsmanship from medieval Spain.

How do you get there?

Mesones de Isuela sits in the province of Zaragoza, roughly an hour's drive from the city of Zaragoza. The castle is open to visitors through guided tours, which give access to areas of the interior not otherwise open to independent exploration.

When should you visit?

Because the fortress is built entirely of stone and stands in an exposed, elevated position, spring and autumn tend to offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit, avoiding the harsher heat of summer in inland Aragón. It's worth checking guided tour availability in advance, since visits run in organized groups rather than as free walk-throughs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the Castle of Mesones de Isuela? The current structure was commissioned by the Archbishop of Zaragoza, Lope Fernández de Luna, who began construction in 1379 on the site of an earlier property once held by the Knights Templar.

What is the castle's main highlight? Its chapel, with a richly decorated Mudéjar wooden ceiling considered one of the finest examples of the style in the region, alongside the remarkably well-preserved all-stone defensive perimeter with six towers.

Can the castle be visited independently? No — access is through guided tours, which allow visitors to learn the fortress's history while exploring its interior.

How far is the castle from Zaragoza? It's about an hour's drive from the city of Zaragoza.