Encomienda Castle

Castillo de la Encomienda stands on a hilltop roughly 8 km from Villanueva de la Serena, in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura. Also known as Castillo de Castilnovo, the fortress was raised in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Muslim stronghold called Mojafar, after the Comarca de la Serena passed into Christian hands during the reconquest led by King Ferdinand III. Construction and defense of the site were entrusted to the knights of the Order of Alcántara, which is how the castle earned its current name — for centuries it served as a commandery (encomienda) of that military order, combining a defensive role with an administrative one.

How do you get there?

The castle sits outside the town itself, on a rise in the open Extremaduran countryside, so a car or bicycle is the practical way in. A local road runs from central Villanueva de la Serena toward the hill, and the final stretch is covered on foot along an unmarked path leading uphill. Build extra time into your visit — the ground is uneven, and there's little shade during the hot summer months.

What will you see on site?

Most of what survives dates to the 14th century, though parts of the foundations and lower walls go back to the original construction. The fortress's south flank is marked by two towers — one prismatic, one cylindrical — joined by a stretch of curtain wall. Late in the 15th century and into the early 16th, the castle gained an additional barbican, giving the main "noble" section a rectangular layout with cylindrical towers at each corner. This left an open inner courtyard that served as a parade ground, and in the 16th century outbuildings were added around it — living quarters, stables, and storerooms for grain.

The castle remains privately owned and is not open for visits inside. Even so, the exterior view from the approach path is enough to take in the scale and layout of the fortifications, along with a sweeping view over the surrounding Extremaduran plains. Since 2018 the site has had its own lighting installation, which makes the silhouette of its walls and towers visible from a considerable distance after dark.

When should you visit?

Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) are the best times to come, when Extremadura's temperatures are milder and the ground around the castle is green. Summer heat can climb past 35°C, making a longer walk up the exposed hillside uncomfortable. Early morning or evening light also works best for photography, catching the stone texture of the walls at its most flattering angle.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the castle? No — Castillo de la Encomienda is private property and is not open to visitors. It's viewed from the outside, from the path leading up the hill.

Where does the castle's name come from? The name reflects the role the fortress played for centuries — it was a commandery (encomienda) of the Order of Alcántara, hence "Castillo de la Encomienda." It has also historically been known as Castilnovo or Castelnovo.

How far is the castle from central Villanueva de la Serena? The fortress lies about 8 km from town on an open hillside, so arriving by car is the most convenient option.

Is it worth combining the visit with other sights in the area? Yes — the Comarca de la Serena region is rich in traces of the military orders and the reconquest era, making the castle a solid starting point for exploring more of Badajoz province.