Monuments — Spain — NextOnTrip

Castillo de Enguídanos

Enguídanos

Castillo de Enguídanos is a partly ruined medieval fortress overlooking the town of Enguídanos, in the province of Cuenca, in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain. What will you see? The castle sits on a hill that dominates the town below, making it visible from a considerable distance and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. Although the structure is now in ruins, sections of the defensive wall survive along with three towers reinforcing its corners. The main tower stands out for its unusual D-shaped plan, semicircular on the outer face and flat on the inner side. Past restoration work has revealed both Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, reflecting the different building phases the fortress went through over the centuries. What is the history behind the castle? This hilltop has attracted fortification builders since ancient times. Long before the current castle existed, a Celtiberian stronghold known as Cabeza Moya occupied the same site between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. Archaeological excavations here have uncovered the remains of rooms along with Greek pottery and Roman coins, pointing to a long and continuous history of settlement at the location. The castle as it stands today was built by the Arabs between the 10th and 11th centuries, reusing the base of an earlier Ibero-Roman fortification. It served as an advanced defensive outpost for the Levantine kingdoms, controlling natural mountain passes and communication routes through the region. After the Christian reconquest, the castle became part first of the Marquisate of Villena and later of the Marquisate of Moya. During the 14th and 15th centuries the fortress was expanded and reinforced, with Gothic defensive elements added and the keep (Torre del Homenaje) raised in height to improve both surveillance and resistance. The site also played a role in more recent history: during the Third Carlist War, on 15 November 1873, Brigadier Santés seized Enguídanos and fortified himself inside the castle. From the late 19th century until 1928, the castle grounds were also used as the town cemetery. How do you get there? Enguídanos lies in the province of Cuenca, in the interior of Castilla-La Mancha. The castle stands directly above the town on the hill that overlooks it, so reaching it means driving to Enguídanos itself and then walking up the slope to the fortress. When should you visit? Because the ruins are fully exposed and reaching them involves a climb up the hillside, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, when temperatures in this inland part of Castilla-La Mancha are milder than in the height of summer. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside the castle? The structure is in a ruined state, but the surviving wall sections and towers can be walked around, offering a close look at the architecture and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. What was Cabeza Moya? It was the name of an earlier Celtiberian fortification that occupied the same hill long before the current Arab-built castle was constructed. Who controlled the castle after the Christian reconquest? Following the reconquest, the fortress belonged first to the Marquisate of Villena and later to the Marquisate of Moya. Did the castle ever serve a purpose other than defense? Yes — from the late 19th century until 1928, the castle grounds were used as the town's cemetery.

Loarre Castle

Loarre

Loarre Castle, near the town of Loarre in Huesca province, Aragón, Spain, is one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in Europe. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Hoya de Huesca plain, the fortress-abbey has watched over the foothills of the Pyrenees for nearly a thousand years, its thick walls, towers and rounded arches still remarkably intact. How to get there? The castle sits a short drive from Huesca, the provincial capital, and makes an easy stop for travelers moving between Zaragoza and the Aragonese Pyrenees. Because it stands on a steep hilltop, the final approach follows a narrow, winding road that climbs directly to the fortress walls. A car is the most practical way to visit, since the surrounding countryside is rural and public transport options are limited. What will you see? Loarre stands out for its remarkable stylistic unity — a rare feature among medieval fortresses, which were often expanded piecemeal over centuries. Visitors pass through a sequence of gates and courtyards, climb the massive keep, and explore the crypt and the Church of Santa María, both decorated with the carved capitals and rounded arches typical of Romanesque design. From the ramparts and lookout points, sweeping views open across the Hoya de Huesca and toward the Pyrenean peaks beyond. The castle also gained wider fame as a filming location for Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven," a role that underscores its imposing, cinematic medieval character. When to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, offering milder temperatures across Aragón before or after the intense summer heat that can make the exposed hilltop uncomfortable at midday. If visiting in summer, mornings are the most pleasant time to explore. Winter brings a starker, quieter landscape around the castle, with fewer visitors — an appealing option for travelers who prefer a more contemplative pace. Frequently Asked Questions What makes Loarre Castle stand out among Spanish castles? It is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain, combining military and religious functions within a single, unified complex. Was Loarre Castle used in any films? Yes, its monumental architecture served as a filming location for Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven." Is it worth visiting with a guide? Given the size of the complex and the density of architectural detail, guided tours or on-site information panels make it much easier to understand the castle's history and layout. Is there anything to see around the castle besides the fortress itself? Yes, the area around Loarre is a quiet, rural corner of Aragón at the gateway to the Pyrenees, appealing to travelers who enjoy natural landscapes and less crowded routes.

Cal Tit

Vilassar de Mar

Cal Tit is a Catalan Modernista townhouse in Vilassar de Mar, a coastal town on the Maresme coast just north of Barcelona. Also known as Ca l'Aduana, the building stands at Carrer Nostra Senyora del Rosario 1 and was built between 1909 and 1911, during the height of the Modernisme movement in Catalonia. The architect's name was never documented, but the house is listed in regional catalogues of Modernista architecture as an example of the bourgeois residential buildings raised in the town during that period. What can you see? Cal Tit is a private residence, so it's visited from the outside as part of Vilassar de Mar's architectural streetscape. The town holds one of the denser concentrations of Modernista buildings along the Maresme coast, a legacy of the wealth the local bourgeoisie built through flower and ornamental plant cultivation and export — a trade Vilassar de Mar is still known for today. A walk through the town centre takes in a dozen or so similar townhouses from the turn of the 20th century; alongside Cal Tit, it's worth stopping at the Museu Municipal de Vilassar de Mar and the Museu de la Marina, which covers the town's maritime history. How do you get there? Vilassar de Mar sits on the Rodalies commuter rail line running along the Maresme coast, making it an easy stop from Barcelona and from neighbouring coastal towns. The town centre, including the street where Cal Tit stands, lies a short walk from the train station, within the compact grid typical of Maresme towns that links the old centre to the seafront. When should you visit? Like most towns on the Costa del Maresme, Vilassar de Mar is best visited in spring or early summer, when temperatures are mild and the beaches are quieter than at the peak of the holiday season. Walking the Modernista streets also works well in autumn, once the Mediterranean sun has softened and the town settles into a calmer rhythm than in summer. What else is worth knowing? Vilassar de Mar carries a double identity, maritime and horticultural. Alongside bourgeois Modernista architecture like Cal Tit, the town grew on the back of seafaring and the ornamental plant trade, a history still visible in its street names and the focus of its local cultural institutions. That combination gives Vilassar de Mar a different feel from the more tourist-oriented resorts of the Costa del Maresme, closer to an authentic, working coastal town. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside Cal Tit? No — it's a private residence, viewable only from the outside as part of the town's Modernista streetscape. Who designed Cal Tit? The architect is unrecorded. The building is documented in Modernista architecture catalogues as dating from 1909–1911. What's the easiest way to reach Vilassar de Mar? The town is served by the Rodalies commuter rail line along the Maresme coast, making it easy to reach from both Barcelona and nearby seaside towns. What else is worth seeing near Cal Tit? The centre of Vilassar de Mar holds a dozen or so other Modernista buildings from the same era, plus the Museu Municipal and the Museu de la Marina, which cover the town's history and traditions.

Castillo del Cerro de la Ermita

Estación de Cártama

Castillo del Cerro de la Ermita is a ruined medieval fortress overlooking the area of Estación de Cártama, in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. The castle occupies a hilltop within the Sierra de Cártama range, commanding views over the Guadalhorce river valley and the surrounding hills. How old is the castle? The hill on which the fortress stands was already settled in Roman times - a first settlement was established here toward the end of the 2nd century AD and was gradually turned into a defensive stronghold. The fortification reached its greatest extent, however, under Muslim rule: it was the Arabs who gave the castle the shape and scale that largely survive today. The stronghold watched over the Guadalhorce valley and formed part of a wider defensive network protecting the Málaga region, serving both as a lookout post and as a refuge for the local population in times of danger. What will you see on site? The fortress has a roughly rectangular layout, enclosed by walls built of irregularly laid stonework, sections of which still survive in varying states of preservation. A distinctive feature of the site is its towers, which come in different shapes - square, rectangular, and round - reflecting successive phases of construction over the centuries. At the centre of the former courtyard sits a cistern carved directly into the bedrock, estimated to have been able to supply water for as many as around two thousand people, making it one of the best-preserved and most striking elements of the whole complex. The castle itself now stands in ruins, but as a site of significant historical value it is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural, granting it formal protection against further deterioration. How do you get there? The fortress rises on the hill just behind the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Hermitage of Our Lady of Remedies), from which wide views open out over the Guadalhorce valley and the surrounding countryside of Málaga province. Because of its ruined condition, the castle can only be viewed from the outside - the interior of the ruins is not officially open to visitors, and the site functions as a historic viewpoint rather than a fully organised tourist attraction. When is the best time to visit? Given its exposed, elevated position on the hill with little natural shade, the most comfortable time to walk up and take in the views is during the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the peak heat that characterises the inland areas of Málaga province in the summer months. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside the castle? No - the castle stands in ruins and can only be viewed from the outside, with no organised access to its interior. How old is the Castillo del Cerro de la Ermita? Settlement on this hill dates back to Roman times, toward the end of the 2nd century AD, while the fortress's current shape and scale were largely shaped by the Muslims during the Al-Andalus period. What is the most interesting feature of the fortress? The rock-cut cistern at the centre of the former courtyard, believed to have been able to supply water for around two thousand people, along with the surviving towers built in different shapes across various construction phases. Is the castle legally protected? Yes - the Castillo del Cerro de la Ermita holds Bien de Interés Cultural status, giving it formal protection as a cultural asset of special historical significance for the region.

Castillo del Marqués

Vélez-Málaga

Castillo del Marqués is a 16th-century coastal fort in Vélez-Málaga, in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, standing above the shoreline in the Valle Niza area of the Axarquía region. What is the history behind the castle? The fortification was built in 1513 as part of a chain of coastal watchtowers and forts erected to defend the shore against raids by corsairs and Barbary pirates. For roughly three centuries it consisted of a single storey; a second level was only added around 1846, once the building had come under the control of the Carabineros, the corps responsible for guarding the coast and borders against smuggling. During the Spanish Civil War, between 1936 and 1939, the castle served the grim purpose of a prison and concentration camp. In 1985 it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's national heritage designation. What will you see there? The fort follows an irregular, eight-sided plan, a layout typical of early modern coastal strongholds designed to minimise blind spots in defensive fire. Its entrance is guarded by a corner redoubt fitted with a parapet and loopholes, while a barrel-vaulted passage leads inward to a courtyard that once gave access to living quarters and barracks rooms. After years of neglect, the building underwent a thorough restoration that preserved its historic massing and architectural character. Today the former fortress houses a School of Hospitality and Tourism run by the Vélez-Málaga town council, an unusual pairing of a defensive past with a present-day educational role that makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone curious about the region's history. How do you get there? Castillo del Marqués sits on the Costa del Sol shoreline, in the Valle Niza stretch of the Vélez-Málaga municipality, close to the beaches of the Axarquía coast. It makes a convenient stop for travellers driving along the coast between Málaga and the eastern part of the province, with the surrounding area combining beach access with proximity to the historic centre of Vélez-Málaga. When is the best time to visit? Because the building now operates as a working school, its exterior is best appreciated from the outside while strolling along the coastline. The Mediterranean climate of the Axarquía makes the area approachable nearly year-round, though spring and autumn bring milder temperatures than the height of summer and suit combining a walk by the castle with exploring the nearby coast. Frequently Asked Questions When was Castillo del Marqués built? The fort dates to 1513, built as part of the coastal defence network against corsairs and Barbary pirates. What is the building used for today? The restored fortress now houses a School of Hospitality and Tourism operated by the Vélez-Málaga town council. Can you go inside the castle? Since the building functions as an active educational institution, it's worth checking locally about interior access before a visit — the exterior architecture can be viewed freely from outside. What heritage protection does the castle have? It has held the status of Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's national cultural heritage designation, since 1985.

Palacio de los González de Sepúlveda

Sebúlcor

Palacio de los González de Sepúlveda is a late-Gothic fortified palace dating from the late 15th to early 16th century, standing in the now-depopulated hamlet of San Miguel de Neguera, within the municipality of Sebúlcor in Segovia province, Castile and León. It ranks among the oldest surviving civil buildings in the entire province and represents an uncommon regional type: a rural palace built away from any walled town. How to get there? The palace sits in a remote spot above the gorge of the San Juan River, a tributary of the Duratón, right next to Sebúlcor, a small municipality in northern Segovia province. The surrounding countryside is classic inland Castile and León — sparsely populated, agricultural, and dotted with medieval settlement remains scattered among limestone canyons. Because the site occupies a former settlement that is no longer inhabited, visitors should plan ahead and check current access information with the Sebúlcor town council before setting out. What will you see? The palace was commissioned by the González de Sepúlveda family, one of the most prominent noble lineages in the history of Segovia province. Its main draw is the ashlar-stone façade, arranged over three storeys, with an imposing semicircular-arched doorway on the ground floor that once led into the residence. Above one of the windows, framed by lobed arches, the family's coat of arms survives, held aloft in an eagle's talons — widely regarded as the best-preserved and most distinctive feature of the entire complex. Beyond the main residential building, the grounds still hold the remains of former farm structures and a mill by the riverbank, evidence of the estate's one-time self-sufficiency. Combining defensive, residential and agricultural elements, the complex is a rare surviving example of a noble residence that once functioned as an independent rural holding, set apart from the region's main roads and towns. When to visit? Given the exposed, rural setting, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, when milder weather makes walking the surrounding gorges and reaching the palace itself more comfortable. Autumn can appeal to visitors seeking fewer crowds and a quieter pace, though it is worth keeping in mind that the surrounding area remains lightly developed for tourism and the palace itself is not run as a day-to-day museum. Frequently Asked Questions Who built the palace? It was commissioned by the González de Sepúlveda family, one of the most important noble lineages in the history of Segovia province, between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. What is the palace's most valuable feature? Its most distinctive and best-preserved detail is the family coat of arms held in an eagle's talons, set above a window framed by lobed arches. Are there other historic remains near the palace? Yes — the former settlement of San Miguel de Neguera also preserves the remains of farm buildings and a mill on the San Juan River, testifying to the estate's past self-sufficiency. Is the palace legally protected? Yes — on 11 July 2022, the regional government of Castile and León (Junta de Castilla y León) declared the Palacio de los González de Sepúlveda a Cultural Interest Asset (Bien de Interés Cultural) with monument status.

Castle of Embid

Embid

Castle of Embid is a medieval fortress standing above the village of Embid, on the border between the provinces of Guadalajara and Teruel in Spain. Its ruins occupy a rocky outcrop in the middle of a high plateau, flanked on several sides by a deep ravine — a natural setting that for centuries made the stronghold extremely difficult to capture. How old is the castle? The first structure on this site was raised around 1120, under Alfonso I the Battler, king of Aragón and Pamplona, who had just annexed these lands to his kingdom. The fortress stood within the Señorío de Molina, in the district known as the Sexma del Campo, and for generations remained a contested point between the crowns of Castile and Aragón — its position right on the border made it change hands more than once. By 1331, once the Señorío de Molina had passed under Castilian rule, King Alfonso XI granted the lordship of Embid to Diego Ordóñez de Villaquirán, tasking him with resettling the area and building the castle. The stronghold later passed to the Count of Medinaceli, who gave it to Juan Ruiz de los Quemadales, known as the Old Knight. It was he who, in the mid-15th century, rebuilt the castle almost entirely, giving it the form that has largely survived to this day. What can you see there? The castle follows an unusual pentagonal floor plan, reinforced with corner towers — a defensive layout designed to withstand sieges effectively. Its most distinctive feature is the keep (torre del homenaje), whose entrance was set high above ground level; in the past, the only way in was by ladder, adding an extra layer of protection against attackers. Today, the surviving remains are mainly sections of the perimeter walls and the keep itself. The site is open to visitors, though reaching it means walking over uneven, rocky ground. The main draw is the setting itself — the ruins against the backdrop of the open plateau and ravine make a striking sight at any time of day. Why did the castle fall into ruin? During the War of the Spanish Succession, in 1710, retreating Austrian troops set the castle on fire following the battles of Brihuega and Villaviciosa. From that point on, the fortress lost its defensive role and gradually fell into decay. It wasn't until 2005 that Spain's Ministry of Culture carried out consolidation and restoration work that halted further deterioration of the walls. When is the best time to visit? Since the site is exposed and unsheltered, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures on the plateau are milder than the hot summer or cold winter extremes. Morning hours also give the best light for photographing the ruins. Frequently Asked Questions Is entry to the Castle of Embid free? Yes, access to the castle grounds is free, though the approach is uneven and rocky. Have any original interiors survived? No — mainly the perimeter walls and the keep remain standing; the interiors were destroyed following the 1710 fire. Why does the castle have a pentagonal shape? The layout was chosen for defensive reasons — corner towers reinforcing the walls made sieges harder to sustain. What else is near the castle? The fortress sits next to the village of Embid and the former Señorío de Molina, a historic region straddling the border of Castile and Aragón.

Castillo de Añón

Añón de Moncayo

Castillo de Añón is a medieval castle in the village of Añón de Moncayo, in the province of Zaragoza, at the foot of the Moncayo mountain range in Aragón, Spain. What is the Castillo de Añón? Construction began in 1238 under King James I of Aragon, with the goal of guarding the border with Castile along the Huecha river route. The building visible today, however, dates largely from the 14th century, rebuilt after the destructive War of the Two Pedros. For centuries the fortress belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, serving as the seat of the Añón-Talamantes commandery until the 19th century. Its role was threefold: defending the frontier, administering the commandery's lands, and protecting a nearby iron mine in the Morana valley, which had its own foundry. What will you see there? The castle is a large masonry structure built on a rectangular plan around a central courtyard, with five quadrangular towers along its corners and walls, giving it a commanding silhouette against the slopes of the Moncayo. In the 20th century the building passed into the hands of the Diocese of Tarazona before undergoing a thorough restoration by the Serrano family, who converted its interior into a luxury rural lodging with twelve rooms and two large halls. Since 2017 the property has been run by Curro Fatás, who has kept the medieval character of the site alive. How do you get there? Añón de Moncayo sits within the Moncayo Natural Park, one of Aragón's most distinctive mountain landscapes, close to Tarazona. Because the village lies at the base of the massif, access is via local roads through the towns of the Tarazona y el Moncayo comarca — travelling by car is the most practical way to reach this part of Zaragoza province. When should you visit? Spring and autumn offer the most scenic conditions around the castle, with mild temperatures well suited to exploring the surrounding countryside. Summers can be warm in the lower valley, while winter can bring snow to the higher slopes of the Moncayo, reinforcing the stark, frontier character the fortress was built to embody. Frequently Asked Questions Who built the Castillo de Añón? King James I of Aragon ordered its construction in 1238, though the structure seen today dates mainly from the 14th century. Who owned the castle historically? It served as the seat of the Añón-Talamantes commandery of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem until the 19th century. Can you visit the castle today? The building was restored by the Serrano family into a luxury rural lodging, run since 2017 by Curro Fatás, which preserves its historical character. What else did the fortress protect besides the border? Beyond guarding the frontier with Castile, it administered the commandery's territory and protected a nearby iron mine in the Morana valley along with its foundry.

Castell palau dels Vescomtes de Cabrera

Blanes

Castell palau dels Vescomtes de Cabrera is a medieval fortress and palace residence in Blanes, a coastal town on the Costa Brava in Girona province. The building stands in the old town, close to the parish church of Santa Maria, and ranks among the most significant historic monuments of the La Selva county. What is the history behind it? The site's origins go back to the 11th century, linked to the counts of Girona and later to the viscounts of Cabrera. From the 12th to the 14th century the fortress belonged to the Blanes family, knights who held it as feudatories of the Cabreras. The turning point came in 1381, when Bernat IV of Cabrera bought the castle back from Ramon de Blanes and commissioned master builder Arnau Bargués to rebuild it in Gothic style. During the 15th century the palace became the main residence of the viscounts of Cabrera, combining defensive and residential functions. Its decline began in 1694, when, during the War of the League of Augsburg, French troops attacked Blanes and blew up part of the palace, destroying much of the original structure. What can you see today? The surviving remains allow the original layout to be traced: a rectangular plan built around a central courtyard surrounded by vaulted rooms, with four defensive towers at the corners. Despite the damage suffered in the late 17th century, the palace's representative façade still stands, featuring a grand arched entrance flanked by two trefoil windows of differing sizes — a distinctive detail of Gothic palace architecture. The monument is listed as a Bé Cultural d'Interès Nacional (Cultural Asset of National Interest), confirming its historical and architectural value for Catalonia. How do you get there? The palace sits in the historic centre of Blanes, a town at the southern edge of the Costa Brava, well connected to Barcelona and other coastal towns. Walking through the old town toward the church of Santa Maria, visitors will naturally come across the palace façade, one of the landmark features of the town's historic urban layout. When is the best time to visit? Blanes enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, making the site accessible year-round. Spring and early autumn are the quietest periods, with pleasant temperatures for exploring the old town on foot. Summer brings the heaviest tourist traffic, driven by the beach season along the Costa Brava. Frequently Asked Questions Who built the palace of the viscounts of Cabrera? Its present Gothic form dates from 1381, when master builder Arnau Bargués carried out the reconstruction commissioned by Bernat IV of Cabrera after he bought the castle from the Blanes family. Why is the palace only partially preserved? In 1694, during the War of the League of Augsburg, French forces attacked Blanes and blew up part of the building, significantly reducing its original structure. What remains of the original complex? Sections of the perimeter walls survive along with the representative façade, its arched entrance and two trefoil windows hinting at the original rectangular plan with four towers and an inner courtyard. Is the site legally protected? Yes, the Castell palau dels Vescomtes de Cabrera is listed as a Bé Cultural d'Interès Nacional, Catalonia's designation for cultural assets of national interest.

Castle of Benal

Riello

Benal Castle stands above Riello, in the province of León, in Spain's Castile and León region. How do you get there? The castle ruins occupy a hilltop in the hamlet of El Castillo, part of the municipality of Riello, in the historic Omaña district of León province. This is a quiet, mountainous corner of the region, well off the main tourist routes - for many visitors, that absence of crowds is exactly what makes the detour worthwhile. What will you see? The fortress is built on a triangular ground plan, a layout shaped by the contours of the hill it sits on; it's said to be one of only two Spanish castles built to this design. Of the original structure, a trapezoidal keep of stone and mortar survives, along with scattered stretches of defensive wall running down the hillside. From up here, the view opens onto the Omaña valleys, framed by the rugged mountain scenery typical of this part of León. What is the history behind it? The site's story starts in Roman times, when a fort here oversaw gold-mining operations in the Omaña valley, worked until the 3rd century AD. The name "castro de Benal" already appears in a document from 1366, in which King Henry II of Trastámara granted the stronghold to Juan González Bazán. In 1375 it passed to Diego Fernández de Quiñones, who inherited it from his father - making it the first family stronghold of the Quiñones, later Lords of Luna. Diego expanded and reinforced the castle, giving it the name "Atenar". By the late 19th century the building had been partly dismantled, its stone reused to build a nearby road. It wasn't until 2023 that the Riello town council, together with the León Provincial Council, carried out restoration and consolidation work on the remaining walls, turning the castle into one of the region's tourist draws. When should you visit? Given the mountain climate of this part of León, late spring through early autumn is the best window for a visit, when conditions favor walking the hillside and taking in the exposed ruins. Winters here tend to be cold and windy, which makes a longer stay among the open walls less comfortable. Frequently Asked Questions Can Benal Castle be visited today? The ruins sit on an open hilltop and can be visited as part of the historic landscape of the Omaña region; following the 2023 restoration, the site is officially promoted as a tourist attraction of the Riello municipality. Why is it also known as Beñal, Benar, or Venal? Historical sources record the fortress's name in several phonetic variants, which is typical of locally transmitted place names in the Omaña area. What survives from the original structure? Stretches of the defensive walls remain, along with a trapezoidal keep built of stone and mortar; the rest of the structure was largely lost, mainly through 19th-century demolition. Why does the castle matter to the Quiñones family? It was the first patrimonial castle of the Quiñones line, a family that later rose to become Lords of Luna, and it marked Diego Fernández de Quiñones's starting point for building the family's power base in the Omaña region.

Castle of Tornos

Tornos

Castle of Tornos is a medieval fortress overlooking the small village of Tornos, in the Jiloca comarca, province of Teruel, Aragón. How to get there? Tornos sits deep in the interior of Teruel province, in the Jiloca region, along what was once a defensive frontier between the medieval kingdoms of Aragón and Castile. The most practical way to reach it is by car via local provincial roads, since the surrounding countryside is sparsely populated and typical of Aragón's rural interior. The castle stands on a hill directly above the village, making it visible from a distance and an easy landmark to navigate toward. What will you see? The ruins occupy a site first settled in Iberian times, and traces of these older walls are still visible in short stretches of the medieval defensive line. The fortress itself was built as part of a chain of strongholds ordered by King Alfonso I "the Battler" in the early 12th century, intended to secure the border between Aragón and Castile along a line stretching from Monreal del Campo to Monreal de Ariza. For centuries the castle remained under direct royal control precisely because of this strategic frontier position. King Jaime II carried out a thorough rebuilding and reinforcement of the fortress, and it is likely from this period that the castle took on much of the form still recognizable today. Another significant chapter came under Peter IV during the so-called War of the Two Peters in the 14th century, when further defensive works were carried out, including the construction of a cistern to help the garrison withstand potential sieges. From the 16th century onward, as the castle lost its strategic relevance and its remote location made continued habitation impractical, it was gradually abandoned and left to decay. Today visitors can see the surviving stretches of defensive wall and the outline of the original fortified layout, a tangible record of the region's long frontier history. When to visit? The interior of Aragón has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold, often frosty winters, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the ruins, when temperatures are milder and the Jiloca countryside is at its most scenic. Since the ruins are exposed and unsheltered, it's worth checking the weather forecast before setting out. Frequently Asked Questions Who built the Castle of Tornos? It was built as part of a defensive line commissioned by King Alfonso I "the Battler" in the early 12th century to protect the border between Aragón and Castile. Is the castle well preserved? No — from the 16th century onward the fortress was gradually abandoned as it lost its strategic importance, and today it survives as a ruin. What is nearby the castle? The castle rises directly above the village of Tornos, in the Jiloca comarca, a region known for its chain of medieval Aragonese border fortifications. Why was the castle historically significant? Its position on the former frontier with Castile made it strategically vital, reflected in major rebuilding works ordered by kings Jaime II and Peter IV during periods of heightened border conflict.

Palacio de los Gurrea

Argavieso

Palacio de los Gurrea is a fortified palace perched on a rocky outcrop above the village of Argavieso, in the province of Huesca, Aragón. Its origins trace back to the 11th century, but the structure visitors see today largely reflects 15th-century rebuilding, when an earlier castle was reshaped into a lordly residence. How do you get there? Argavieso sits in the Hoya de Huesca district, close to the city of Huesca, making it an easy stop for anyone touring rural Aragón. The palace occupies a promontory at the edge of the village and is visible from a distance, so once you're in Argavieso itself, finding it simply means heading toward the high ground on the settlement's outskirts. What will you see? Built of ashlar stone, the palace has an irregular rectangular plan, with its west-facing sides cut at an angle rather than meeting in a straight corner. The walls run between fifteen and thirty metres in length, and the building rises four storeys — a scale that feels striking against the modest size of the surrounding village. The ownership history is as layered as the stonework itself. After the Christian reconquest of Huesca, the site passed through the hands of the Augustinian canons of Montearagón, the Order of the Hospital, the Moncayo family, and eventually the Gurrea family, whose name the palace still carries. In the mid-15th century, King Alfonso V of Aragón granted jurisdiction over Argavieso and its castle to Lope Jiménez de Urrea. By the second half of the 16th century, the estate passed through marriage to the Moncayo lineage, who held the lordship and later the marquisate of Coscojuela de Fantova. That later Renaissance period left one of the palace's most distinctive features: a doorway with a lintel set between fluted columns, crowned with plasterwork reliefs commissioned by Juan de Gurrea in 1550. Inside, a 16th-century Renaissance courtyard survives as well, marking the moment the fortress began giving way to a more genteel residence. Today the building stands in a severely deteriorated condition and is listed on Spain's Red List of Heritage at Risk. That gives a visit here a particular quality: you're looking at several centuries of Aragonese history exactly as time has left them, without any touristic polish layered on top. When should you visit? Aragón's spring and autumn months offer mild conditions well suited to exploring rural sites like Argavieso, sidestepping the intense summer heat typical of Spain's interior. Given the village's small scale, a stop here works best as part of a wider route through the Hoya de Huesca area. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside the palace? Because of its poor state of conservation, interior access can be limited — it's worth checking locally or with the town council about current visiting conditions before you arrive. Where does the palace's name come from? It comes from the Gurrea family, one of several noble houses that held the estate over the centuries of its history. What is the oldest part of the building? The earliest traces date to the 11th century, though the ruins visible today mostly reflect the 15th-century transformation of the original castle into a fortified residence. Why is the palace on a heritage-at-risk list? Years without conservation work have left the structure in a condition serious enough to warrant its inclusion on Spain's Red List of Heritage at Risk.

Castillo de los Arcos

Badajoz

Castillo de los Arcos is a medieval fortress standing in the province of Badajoz, in Extremadura, set within a wide stretch of dehesa pastureland a few kilometres from the small town of Almendral. It was raised in the 15th century on the orders of Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, nephew of the first Count of Feria, on land granted by King Henry IV of Castile. Construction was finished in 1474, and the stronghold was built to guard the western edge of the County of Feria against raids from Portugal while also securing the new territory against the claims of the Badajoz town council. What will you see? The castle follows a rectangular layout with cylindrical towers at each corner and a massive keep, the torre del homenaje, rising at its centre. It was built from masonry, dressed stone and brick, and its walls still show fine decorative touches — small corbels set between courses of brick and carefully finished window frames with brick laid on edge. The design echoes the nearby fortresses of Feria and Nogales, built in the same period and style. Following the Comuneros War, the castle was remodelled between 1520 and 1522, giving it the appearance it still has today. The castle is privately owned and inhabited, so its interior is closed to visitors. You can, however, walk around the outside and take in the architecture up close, while the surrounding dehesa — Extremadura's classic open pastureland dotted with cork and holm oaks — makes for a quiet, scenic backdrop. How do you get there? The castle sits roughly four to six kilometres from Almendral, reached by a walking route through the dehesa. Following this path on foot is a pleasant way to approach the fortress, with a calm, pastoral landscape typical of this part of Extremadura accompanying you the whole way. What else is worth visiting nearby? Several other points of interest cluster around the castle. About 900 metres away stands the Encina Madre, an impressive centuries-old holm oak that has become a local natural landmark. Just under 600 metres further on lies the El Romo dolmen, evidence of much older prehistoric settlement in the area. The surroundings also preserve the remains of an old hermitage with Gothic-Mudéjar features and the medieval Castillejo bridge, dating from the 15th or 16th century. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside the castle? No — it is privately owned and inhabited, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside. How far is the castle from Almendral? Around four to six kilometres, depending on the route taken through the dehesa. When was the castle built? Construction was completed in 1474 under Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, though the building was later remodelled after the Comuneros War of 1520–1522. What other sights are nearby? Close to the castle you'll find the centuries-old Encina Madre oak, the El Romo dolmen, the ruins of an old hermitage, and the medieval Castillejo bridge.

Castle of Vozmediano

Vozmediano

Castle of Vozmediano, in the village of Vozmediano at the foot of the Moncayo massif in the province of Soria (Castile and León), stands as one of the best-preserved fortresses of the old Castilian-Aragonese border. How to get there? Vozmediano lies roughly 60 km from Soria, the provincial capital, within the district known as Tierras del Moncayo. The village sits right against the border with Aragon, at the base of the Moncayo mountain, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring this massif from either side of the regional boundary. The history of the fortress The earliest records of the castle date back to the 12th century, when a defensive tower was raised here following the Reconquest led by Alfonso I of Aragon. Over the following centuries, until the borders were definitively settled in 1437, Vozmediano changed hands repeatedly between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, caught in the middle of their territorial disputes. The outer wall and the keep are believed to date from the 14th century, from the period when the fortress passed permanently into Castilian hands, while the inner enclosure may go back, according to some researchers, to Roman times. In 1429 the castle was home to Íñigo López de Mendoza, Marquis of Santillana, who served as captain of the Castilian border troops stationed here. One of the most important poets of the Spanish Middle Ages, he wrote part of his famous "Serranillas" while at Vozmediano — short poems inspired by encounters with mountain women of the Moncayo range. The castle was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument on 22 April 1949, and it is regarded as the best-preserved fortress of the old Aragonese-Castilian border in the Moncayo area. What will you see? The fortress consists of two main chambers within a rectangular enclosure, with an imposing keep in one corner and a second tower in the opposite corner. After decades of neglect and the partial collapse of one stretch of wall in 2018, the castle underwent restoration works funded through cultural heritage protection programs. Beyond the castle itself, it's worth visiting the source of the Queiles river within the village boundaries — one of the most powerful springs in Europe in terms of water flow per second. Surrounded by greenery, it makes a scenic complement to a visit to the medieval fortress. When to visit? The castle opens to visitors on selected summer weekends thanks to a local volunteer association that organizes guided tours. Because opening is seasonal, it's worth checking the current schedule before planning a visit. The Moncayo region is best explored in spring and summer, when the weather favors hiking along the surrounding mountain trails. Frequently Asked Questions Can the Castle of Vozmediano be visited? Yes, the fortress opens to visitors on selected summer weekends, with guided tours run by a local volunteer association. What is the history of the castle? It was built in the 12th century as a defensive stronghold on the Castilian-Aragonese border and was fought over repeatedly until the borders were settled in 1437. Who is associated with the castle? The poet Íñigo López de Mendoza, Marquis of Santillana, stayed here in 1429 as commander of the border troops and wrote part of his "Serranillas" at the castle. What else is worth seeing nearby? The source of the Queiles river, one of the most abundant springs in Europe, is located right in Vozmediano, at the foot of the Moncayo.

Castell de Vinfaro

Alfés

Castell de Vinfaro is a ruined medieval castle crowning a hilltop above the Set river, directly across from the village of Alfés in the Segrià comarca, Lleida province, Catalonia. The site layers Bronze Age remains beneath a well-documented feudal history, making it a rewarding stop for hikers exploring the dry, steppe-like landscapes of Segrià. What is the history behind the castle? Vinfaro is first recorded in 1148, before the Christian conquest of Lleida, when Count Ramon Berenguer IV granted the castle to Arnau de Montpaó on condition of feudal loyalty. By the end of the 12th century the Guiu (or Giner) family held the estate, and in 1282 it passed to Esteve de Cardona. Over the following centuries ownership shifted repeatedly among noble families of Lleida, until the early 17th century, when Vinfaro came under the Riquer family, marquises of Benavent. By then only two households remained on the site, and after the War of the Spanish Succession the settlement was abandoned entirely, leaving behind a single isolated farmhouse. What will you see on site? The ruins occupy the eastern end of an elongated hilltop. A moat 12 metres wide and 3 metres deep separates the castle from the rest of the ridge, one of the best-preserved defensive features surviving today. Traces of the perimeter wall suggest a rectangular layout, with the lower courses of the northern wall and fragments of the eastern side still visible. At the western end of the same hilltop, archaeologists have found evidence of a Bronze Age settlement, giving Vinfaro a layered history spanning millennia. Because of its historical significance, the site has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest (Bé Cultural d'Interès Nacional). How do you get there? The Vinfaro hilltop sits directly opposite the village of Alfés, across the Set river valley, in the heart of the Segrià comarca, roughly half an hour's drive from Lleida. Reaching the ruins involves a short walk uphill from the village — a straightforward outing that combines history with the dry steppe scenery typical of the region, including broad views over the surrounding hills and fields from the castle site. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, when temperatures in this part of Catalonia are mild and the steppe landscape of Segrià is at its most photogenic. Summer heat can be intense, making the unshaded climb up the hill considerably harder. Frequently Asked Questions Is entry to the castle ruins free? Yes, the site sits on open land with no ticket required, though as a protected cultural asset it should be visited carefully, without disturbing the remaining walls. How long does a visit take? Walking up to the hilltop and exploring the ruins typically takes one to two hours, depending on pace and how long you linger to take in the surroundings. Are there other attractions nearby? The village of Alfés and the surrounding hills of the Segrià comarca offer further walking routes through the dry, characteristic landscape of central Catalonia. Is the site suitable for families with children? The approach crosses uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is recommended; the moat and wall remains tend to capture the curiosity of younger visitors.

Castillo de la Corona

Almudévar

Castillo de la Corona is a medieval fortress standing above the town of Almudévar, in the province of Huesca, in the Aragón region of Spain. It rises on a round-shaped hill that, according to local tradition, gave the settlement its name — the Arabic term "al-mudawwar" means "the round one." The castle has Muslim origins, with a history that predates the Christian conquest of the area. How to get there? Almudévar sits in the Hoya de Huesca district, close to the main routes connecting Zaragoza and Huesca. The hill holding the fortress rises right beside the town itself, so reaching it from the centre of Almudévar means little more than a short uphill walk. What will you see? The fortress was taken by Christian forces in 1118. Half a century later, in 1170, King Alfonso II granted the settlement a charter of population, turning it into a royal village, and residents were allowed to use the remains of the Muslim castle to build a church. That church was raised between 1184 and 1231 in Cistercian style and dedicated to the Virgin of la Corona — the origin of the name still carried by the whole complex today. Surviving remains include sections of the defensive walls, traces of the original church, several towers, and an access gate bearing a coat of arms dated 1584. The most distinctive feature is the sturdy keep (torre del homenaje), a rectangular structure roughly 13 by 5.5 metres and 15 metres tall, built in dressed stone. Its upper section is topped by a gallery of brick arches added in the 16th century. The castle also played a part in the wider politics of the Iberian Peninsula: in 1364, Charles II of Navarre and Henry of Trastámara met here with the Queen of Aragón to plot the overthrow of the Castilian king Pedro I the Cruel. A short walk from the fortress leads to a viewpoint with sweeping views over the Pre-Pyrenees, the Sierra de Guara range, and Moncayo mountain. The same hill, known as La Corona, also holds the Ermita de la Virgen de la Corona and the Pozo Chelo well, together forming a walking route that ties the history of the site to the surrounding landscape. When to visit? Since the castle is an open-air site, dry weather makes for the most comfortable walk up the hill and the clearest views from the lookout point. Almudévar organises free, dramatised guided visits on weekends, taking in the Interpretation Centre and the natural surroundings of La Corona — a good way to learn the fortress's history with a guide. Frequently Asked Questions Is the castle free to visit? The grounds around the fortress are open to the public, and free, dramatised guided tours run on weekends. What else is worth seeing besides the castle itself? On the same La Corona hill you'll find the Ermita de la Virgen de la Corona, the Pozo Chelo well, and a viewpoint overlooking the Sierra de Guara and Moncayo. Where does the castle's name come from? It takes its name from the church built here in the 12th–13th centuries and dedicated to the Virgin of la Corona, whose remains still stand within the complex. What historical event is linked to this site? In 1364, Charles II of Navarre and Henry of Trastámara met the Queen of Aragón at the castle to plan the overthrow of King Pedro I of Castile, known as "the Cruel."

Castillo de Laguarres

Ribagorza

Castillo de Laguarres is a ruined medieval fortress overlooking the Isábena valley, in the municipality of Capella, in the Ribagorza region of the province of Huesca, in Aragón, Spain. Where is it located? The ruins crown the Sierra de Laguarres, at roughly 1,100–1,130 metres above sea level, right above the village of Laguarres. From this vantage point the view stretches over the Barasona reservoir, the confluence of the Ésera and Isábena rivers, and the silhouette of Mount Turbón, with the Pyrenean peaks visible on clear days. How do you get there? The most straightforward approach is by road from Benabarre towards Laguarres. Around the seventh kilometre of that road, before the pass, a forest track branches off leading up to the repeater towers that now stand beside the castle ruins. The final stretch is done on foot, along a moderately difficult route that crosses pine forest, Mediterranean scrubland and meadows — comfortable footwear and water are worth bringing. The nearby towns of Graus and Benabarre make convenient bases for exploring the area. What will you see? What survives of the fortress is the base of a circular tower, about eight metres in diameter and up to three metres high, built in sillarejo (small roughly hewn stone). The tower sits on an earthen platform that was likely once reinforced by a defensive wall; sheer rock drops gave natural protection on the north, east and west sides, while the south side would have needed additional fortification. No door opening or other architectural details remain visible today — what's left is a striking ruin set in mountain scenery, standing alongside modern telecommunications towers. What's the history behind it? The castle's origins go back to the 10th century, when it served as one of the principal Muslim strongholds facing the Christian county of Ribagorza, alongside the fortresses of Lascuarre and Castigaleu. Excavations have turned up grey-paste pottery fragments dated to the mid-11th century. Around 1060, King Ramiro I captured the castle, ending its military relevance — together with Lascuarre it was absorbed into the barony of Castro, held in the late 13th century by Felipe de Saluces (documented in 1292). The site briefly regained significance during the Peninsular War against Napoleon's troops, when a guerrilla fighter known as the "Beneficiado de Laguarres" used the surrounding hills against the French. In 2006 the site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) under the archaeological zone category. When should you visit? Spring brings wildflowers across the surrounding meadows, while autumn covers the forests in gold. In summer, an early-morning visit is best, since the exposed summit gets hot and sun-beaten for most of the day. Frequently Asked Questions Is the castle site open to visitors? The ruins sit in the open air at the top of a mountain reached by a walking trail — there's no enclosed site or ticketed entrance. How much of the original structure remains? Mainly the base of a circular tower roughly 8 metres in diameter, heavily eroded and much reduced from its original height. Is the route suitable for families? Yes, the surrounding trails are rated moderately difficult and suited to family outings, though sturdy shoes and water are recommended. What can you see from the summit? Panoramic views of the Barasona reservoir, the confluence of the Ésera and Isábena rivers, Mount Turbón, and — on clear days — the Pyrenees.

Torre Mas Enrich

Barcelona

Torre Mas Enrich, also known as Torre del Moro, is a medieval defensive tower in the Horta neighborhood of Barcelona, listed as a cultural heritage site of local interest. It stands on Plaça Ciutadella, at the corner with Carrer Coimbra, in a spot that has long been known simply as la Ciutadella. Where does the name come from? The tower dates back to the 16th century, when it served as a watchtower attached to the old Mas Enrich farmhouse, later renamed Mas Fontanet. It stood along the route troops used when marching toward Valldaura Castle in the Collserola hills, and soldiers would stop here to rest. During the War of the Spanish Succession, Archduke Charles of Habsburg and his wife reportedly stayed at the tower, since the Fontanet family backed the Austrian claim and this isolated spot on the city's outskirts was considered safe. Its popular nickname, Torre del Moro (Tower of the Moor), comes from carved heads decorating one of its windows — a woman and a man wearing a turban. What will you see there? The tower has a square floor plan, built from irregular masonry with corners reinforced in stone, later partly replaced with brick. A pointed-arch doorway forms the entrance, and the facade is pierced by two late-Gothic ogee windows — one of which still holds the carved busts mentioned above. Although the building has been in poor structural condition for years, its architecture still clearly reflects its medieval origins and the successive layers of history added over the following centuries. How did the tower change over time? After its military and noble past, Horta became a tanning district — in the 18th century, the abundant water supply in the area fed numerous leather workshops, and the tower and its surrounding buildings were put to industrial use. By the mid-20th century it housed a foundry. During the Franco dictatorship, the building reportedly concealed a clandestine printing press producing communist publications, one that authorities never discovered — a detail that remains part of the neighborhood's historical memory today. What condition is it in now? Torre Mas Enrich is currently in a state of serious neglect: the site has been used as a scrap metal yard, and visible structural degradation led to it being sealed off due to collapse risk. Barcelona City Council has been in talks over acquiring the tower, while residents of Horta have long pushed for its restoration and recognition as part of the district's heritage. As a result, the building is not open to visitors on the inside — it can only be viewed from the outside, while walking around Plaça Ciutadella. How do you get there? The tower sits well inside the Horta district, in the northern part of Barcelona, reachable by public transport from the city centre. It makes for a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Horta on foot, offering a quieter, less touristy side of Barcelona away from the crowds downtown. Frequently Asked Questions Can you go inside the tower? No — the building is closed to visitors because of its poor structural condition and the risk of collapse. It can only be seen from the outside. Why is it called Torre del Moro? Because of carved heads decorating one of its Gothic windows, depicting a woman and a man wearing a turban. How old is the tower? It dates from the 16th century, though some architectural features point to later alterations in subsequent centuries. Is the tower legally protected? Yes, it is listed as a cultural heritage site of local interest, although it has remained neglected for years despite this protection.

Sádaba Castle

Sádaba

Sádaba Castle is one of the most striking medieval fortresses in the Spanish region of Aragón, standing over the town of Sádaba in the province of Zaragoza, within the historic Cinco Villas district, roughly 90 kilometres north of the city of Zaragoza. Its massive, square-plan silhouette with corner towers rises above the surrounding farmland and can be spotted from a distance long before you reach the town itself. What will you see? The castle keeps the regular, rectangular layout typical of frontier fortresses built during the era of the Christian Reconquest and the consolidation of the Kingdom of Aragón. Thick stone walls and four corner towers give the structure a compact, almost geometric profile that has become one of the most recognisable images of the Cinco Villas district. Inside the perimeter, traces of former living quarters and defensive structures remain, and walking along the walls lets visitors appreciate the scale of the construction and the fortification details — arrow slits, walkways, and vantage points designed to control the approaches to the castle. From the walls and towers, wide views open over the fields around Sádaba and the rooftops of the town below, making the site a rewarding stop for landscape photography as well as history. How do you get there? Sádaba sits in the province of Zaragoza, within the Cinco Villas district, connected to the rest of Aragón by a network of local and regional roads. The easiest way to reach the site is by car — the castle stands within the town itself, on a hill clearly visible from the main streets, so it is hard to miss. Travellers coming from Zaragoza can easily combine a visit to Sádaba with other towns in Cinco Villas, an area known for its Romanesque architecture and historic town walls. When should you visit? The Cinco Villas region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cooler, often windy winters, so spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring, along with better light for admiring the stonework and taking photographs. In summer, it is best to plan a visit for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat of the day. Frequently Asked Questions Where exactly is the castle located? The castle stands in the town of Sádaba, in the province of Zaragoza, within the Cinco Villas district of northeastern Spain, about 90 km north of the city of Zaragoza. Is the castle well preserved? Yes, its distinctive square shape with corner towers has survived in a condition that clearly shows the fortress's original defensive layout, making it one of the region's most significant heritage sites. Is it worth combining the visit with other sights in the area? Definitely — Cinco Villas is rich in historic towns and Romanesque architecture, so Sádaba fits naturally into a longer route through the region. Can you drive right up to the castle walls? The castle sits within the town, so the most convenient option is to park in Sádaba and walk the short distance up to the hill where the fortress stands.

Castle of Castilnovo

Prádena

Castle of Castilnovo stands in the municipality of Prádena, in the province of Segovia, Castile and León, Spain. The fortress rises in the valley of the San Juan river, between the villages of Villafranca and Valdesaz, just 8 km from the walled town of Sepúlveda and roughly 50 km from the city of Segovia. A park of oaks, junipers and poplars surrounds the walls, giving the castle one of the most scenic settings among the fortified sites of the region. On 3 June 1931 it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's designation for a property of cultural significance. What can you see? Castilnovo blends Arab-era origins with Mudéjar architecture: its walls alternate courses of stone and brick, creating a distinctive banded texture across the facades. Six towers make up the defensive ensemble — three circular and three square — crowned by the imposing keep, the torre del homenaje. This combination of tower shapes is unusual among castles in the Segovia region and is the single best reason to stop here even briefly. What is the history behind it? The castle's ownership traces the shifting fortunes of Castilian nobility. In the 16th century it passed to the Velasco family, Constables of Castile and Dukes of Frías. By the 19th century it belonged to the Catholic branch of the Hohenzollern family, and in 1859 Prince Frederick William Constantine sold the estate to the Catalan painter José Galofre. Galofre carried out a major restoration, taking care to preserve the Mudéjar character of the building — the reason the castle still looks much as it did centuries ago. How do you get there? Castilnovo sits in a quiet rural corner of the Segovia province, so arriving by car is the most practical option. The nearest well-known landmark is Sepúlveda, only a few kilometres away, making it easy to combine a visit to both sites in a single day trip through the region. When should you visit? The castle remains privately owned, belonging to a Spanish-Mexican association that uses it as a venue for weddings and events and also offers accommodation. Because of this, public access is limited and the castle opens to visitors only on occasion. It's best to check current visiting arrangements before planning a trip. Frequently Asked Questions Where exactly is the Castle of Castilnovo located? In the municipality of Prádena, province of Segovia, in the San Juan river valley between Villafranca and Valdesaz, near Sepúlveda. What architectural style does the castle show? Mudéjar, recognizable by the alternating stone-and-brick walls and its six towers — three circular and three square. Can visitors tour the castle? It is a private property used mainly for weddings and events, so tours are only possible on occasional open days. Why was it declared a cultural heritage site? Its architectural uniqueness and historical value earned it Bien de Interés Cultural status on 3 June 1931.

Castillo de Torrente de Cinca

Torrente de Cinca / Torrent de Cinca

Castillo de Torrente de Cinca stands above the village of Torrente de Cinca (also known by its Catalan name, Torrent de Cinca), in the Bajo Cinca comarca of Huesca province, in Aragón, north-eastern Spain. How do you get there? Torrente de Cinca lies in the Bajo Cinca/Baix Cinca district, at the eastern edge of Huesca province, close to the border with Catalonia and not far from the towns of Fraga and Mequinenza. The castle ruins crown a hill directly above the village and the Cinca river, so they are visible from the village streets below. Reaching the site involves a walk up from the village on foot. What is the history behind it? Torrente de Cinca is a settlement of Muslim origin, documented as early as 1100, before the Christian conquest of the area. The Arabs built the castle as part of a Muslim defensive line running along the Cinca river. The stronghold was retaken by King Pedro I of Aragón on at least two occasions, but fell back into Muslim hands each time. Its definitive reconquest came in 1149, carried out by Ramon Berenguer IV, Prince of Aragón and Count of Barcelona, as part of the same campaign that recovered the nearby Muslim strongholds of Lleida and Fraga. King Alfonso II of Aragón later granted the castle to the Order of the Hospitallers, who held it until at least the 17th century. What will you see? The original fortress had an irregular rectangular layout measuring roughly 50 by 15 metres. What survives today are sections of wall built directly onto the rocky plateau, together with the remains of several towers, including the ruins of a keep at one end of the compound. Centuries of abandonment have left the castle in a state of advancing ruin, giving the site the stark, weathered look typical of the old frontier strongholds that once lined the Cinca valley. The castle is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) under Aragón's 1999 heritage law, formally published in the Official Bulletin of Aragón in May 2006. When should you visit? Because the castle sits in an exposed, elevated position, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, avoiding the peak summer heat of the Cinca valley. From the hilltop, the ruins overlook the Cinca river and the farmland of the surrounding Bajo Cinca district. Frequently Asked Questions Can you visit the castle ruins? Yes, the ruins can be viewed on-site, though given their advanced state of decay, a visit mainly means viewing the surviving wall sections and towers from the outside. Who originally built the castle? It was built by the Arabs as part of a Muslim defensive line along the Cinca river, before the Christian reconquest of the area. When was the castle definitively taken by Christian forces? The definitive reconquest took place in 1149, led by Ramon Berenguer IV, Prince of Aragón and Count of Barcelona. Which military order later controlled the castle? After being granted by King Alfonso II of Aragón, the castle passed to the Order of the Hospitallers, who held it until at least the 17th century.

Castle of Santed

Santed

Castle of Santed is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hill above the village of Santed, in the Campo de Daroca district, Zaragoza province, Aragón. What is the history behind this castle? The stronghold was built in the 14th century as part of the defensive network protecting Aragonese territory against the neighboring lordship of Molina, which belonged to Castile. Santed formed part of the first line of defense for the villages of the Daroca district, alongside castles such as Peracense, Tornos, and Albarracín — together they formed a chain of watchtowers guarding the border between the two kingdoms. What events did the castle witness? In 1347, King Peter the Ceremonious handed the fortress over to Aragonese nobles of the Union, who had risen against royal authority. It was later recovered and its fortifications reinforced. The castle was besieged twice: in 1356 by the Castilian king Peter the Cruel, and in 1449 by the commander Gómez Carrillo, known as "the Ugly." These sieges underline how strategically important Santed was in the centuries-long border conflict between Aragón and Castile. What will you see on site? Santed was a small but heavily fortified castle with a rectangular floor plan measuring roughly 25 by 20 meters, its corners reinforced by square towers. Two of these towers still stand on the southern flank, connected by the remains of the defensive walls. The rest of the site is in ruins — stone wall fragments and traces of the old perimeter set against the hillside and the surrounding countryside of Campo de Daroca. The castle is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest), confirming its historical value for the region. How do you get there and when should you visit? Santed sits at the heart of the Campo de Daroca district in Zaragoza province, close to the historic town of Daroca, which gave its name to the whole area. This is classic upland Aragonese countryside — quiet villages, fields, and hills once dotted with watchtowers guarding the frontier. Given the continental climate of inland Aragón, spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit, with milder temperatures than the hot summers or the cold, windy winters typical of these highlands. Sturdy footwear is worth packing, since the climb to the castle hill crosses uneven, stony ground. Frequently Asked Questions Can you visit the Castle of Santed? Yes, the ruins can be viewed from the outside — a small, open historic site typical of many castles in the Campo de Daroca district, without extensive tourist infrastructure. How much of the original castle survives today? Mainly the two towers on the southern flank and sections of the connecting defensive wall — the rest of the structure was lost over the centuries. Why was the castle so important in the Middle Ages? Santed was part of the first line of defense against Castile, protecting the Aragonese frontier together with the nearby castles of Peracense, Tornos, and Albarracín — which is why it was targeted by Castilian sieges in the 14th and 15th centuries. What else is worth seeing nearby? Pair your visit with a trip to Daroca, the district's historic town known for its defensive walls and heritage architecture, characteristic of the wider Campo de Daroca region in Aragón.

Castle of Montalbán

San Martín de Montalbán

The Castle of Montalbán is a sprawling medieval fortress overlooking the Torcón river valley in San Martín de Montalbán, in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. Its ruins sit on a rocky ridge roughly 100 meters above the riverbed, a position that made the site a natural defensive stronghold controlling routes south of Toledo for centuries. What is the history behind the castle? The fortress is linked to the military orders of the Templars and, later, the Hospitallers, who oversaw the defense and administration of this stretch of land during the Middle Ages. Since the 15th century, the castle has remained in the hands of the House of Osuna, making it one of the rare Spanish fortresses with such a long, unbroken chain of ownership. In 1931 it was declared a historic monument, formally recognizing its value to Spain's national heritage. Despite that recognition, the castle has for years appeared on the "Lista Roja del Patrimonio," the heritage risk register maintained by the Hispania Nostra association, which tracks sites facing deterioration and in need of urgent conservation. As a result, visitors encounter an authentic, partly ruined structure rather than a polished, heavily restored monument. How do you get there? The castle stands within the municipality of San Martín de Montalbán, south of Toledo, in the heart of Castile-La Mancha. This is classic central-Spanish countryside — dry, rolling hills dotted with scrub and olive trees, cut through by river valleys such as the Torcón. The most practical way to reach the site is by car from Toledo, following local roads that lead into the interior of the region. What will you see on site? The main draw is the ruin itself: defensive walls and the remains of towers and structures spread across the ridge, with sweeping views over the river valley and surrounding hills. The scale of the complex and its commanding position illustrate how military orders designed strongholds to control strategic terrain along the historic frontier between Christian and Muslim Spain. The stone architecture, though eroded by time, still shows a legible layout of the original defensive plan. When is the best time to visit? Castile-La Mancha has hot summers and milder shoulder seasons, so exploring an exposed hilltop ruin is most comfortable in spring or autumn, when temperatures are gentler and the light is better suited to photographing the Torcón valley below. Frequently Asked Questions What was the Castle of Montalbán used for? It was a medieval fortress linked to military orders, serving defensive and administrative functions over the lands south of Toledo. Who owns the castle today? The House of Osuna has held the property since the 15th century, one of the longest continuous ownership records among Spanish castles. Has the castle been restored? No — it remains in ruins and is listed on Hispania Nostra's heritage risk register, meaning it has not undergone full restoration. Is the site worth visiting? Yes, for anyone interested in medieval history and military architecture — the scale of the ruins and the view over the Torcón valley from 100 meters up are striking even without a full reconstruction.

Castell Vell (Brunyola)

Brunyola i Sant Martí Sapresa

Castell Vell is a medieval castle in Brunyola, a village within the municipality of Brunyola i Sant Martí Sapresa in the La Selva comarca, Girona province, Catalonia. The building crowns a hill around which the settlement gradually grew, and it remains the most significant architectural landmark of this small Catalan community. How to get there? Brunyola i Sant Martí Sapresa sits in the heart of La Selva, a comarca in Girona province known for its scattering of medieval castles and Romanesque churches across the hills between the city of Girona and the Costa Brava coastline. The castle occupies the summit overlooking the village, so a car is the most practical way to reach it, following the local roads that connect La Selva's towns. The surrounding countryside is typical of inland Girona: rolling terrain, oak woodland, and dispersed farmhouses, with small feudal-era landmarks tucked among them. What will you see? The castle's history stretches back to at least the early 12th century. The first written record dates from 1106, when Count Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona granted the "castrum quod dicitur Bruniola" in full ownership to viscount Guerau Ponç de Cabrera. The grantor stated that he had inherited the castle from his father, meaning the fortification already existed under Ramon Berenguer II, who died in 1082. During the 12th century the stronghold passed to the Vilademany family — by 1116 it had already been granted to Pere Ramon de Vilademany as a fief. Ownership changed again in 1293, when the castle became part of the estate of the Pia Almoina, the charitable institution attached to Girona Cathedral. The building suffered severe damage in the earthquake of 1427, one of the strongest to strike medieval Catalonia. The destruction was extensive enough that repairs to the main tower and the surrounding walls took thirty-seven days. A surviving inventory from 1532 gives a detailed picture of the castle's interior at the time, listing a cellar, the bailiff's chamber, a kitchen, a great hall, and the main tower. Although the castle has Romanesque origins, most of what stands today dates from the 15th century, the result of rebuilding after the earthquake. The layout is rectangular, with towers at the corners, some of them cylindrical in section. Three of these towers survive, along with almost the entire north facade stretching between two of them, featuring a rounded portal, Gothic-style windows, and traces of the machicolations once used for close defense of the walls. One of the towers formerly served as the bell tower for the parish church. Today the castle is in good condition. Its western side houses the seat of the local town hall (ajuntament), while rooms on the eastern side are used for the village's cultural events. This continuity of use — from medieval feudal seat to present-day municipal building — makes Castell Vell an unusually rare case of a monument that has never stopped serving as the center of community life. When to visit? Inland Girona province is at its best in spring and early autumn, when temperatures are milder than in high summer and the rolling landscape of La Selva — fields, woodland, and hills — is at its most scenic. Since the building houses municipal offices, the exterior can be viewed year-round, but access to the interior may depend on the town hall's opening hours. Frequently Asked Questions When was Castell Vell in Brunyola built? The first documented reference dates from 1106, though the castle likely already existed under Count Ramon Berenguer II, who died in 1082. Who owned the castle in the medieval period? From the early 12th century it belonged to the Vilademany family, and from 1293 it passed to the Pia Almoina, the charitable institution of Girona Cathedral. What damaged the castle, and how was it repaired? A powerful earthquake in 1427 caused severe damage. Repairs to the main tower and walls took thirty-seven days, and most of the structure visible today dates from the 15th-century rebuilding. What is the castle used for today? The western part of the building serves as the seat of the Brunyola i Sant Martí Sapresa town hall, while the eastern rooms host the village's cultural activities.

Monuments in Spain