Monuments — Spain — NextOnTrip

Miranda Castle

Saragossa

Miranda Castle (Castillo de Miranda) is a medieval fortress near Zaragoza, Spain, perched above the Ebro valley just outside the village of Juslibol. Its ruins crown a rocky ridge overlooking the river and the wetlands below. How do you get there? The castle sits roughly 10 km from central Zaragoza and a few kilometres from Juslibol, a settlement now within the city's municipal boundaries. The best way in is on foot or by bike: waymarked hiking and cycling trails cross the Galachos de Juslibol nature reserve, a favourite weekend outing for locals looking for an escape close to the city. The approach from Juslibol climbs through the hilly Castellar area, opening onto views over the Ebro's meanders. What will you see? Little survives of the original stronghold — this is an archaeological site rather than a restored castle. Visible remains include sections of the perimeter wall that once outlined a rectangular layout of about 15 by 20 metres, traces of other buildings that formed part of the defensive complex, and, on the north side, the base of what is thought to have been an albarrana tower, a type of tower built detached from the main wall line. The site is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural de Aragón, Aragón's designation for cultural heritage of special significance, even though its condition today is ruinous. What's the history behind it? Miranda Castle was built on the orders of King Peter I of Aragón in the late 11th or early 12th century, following his campaigns along the Ebro valley. Its purpose was to harass and weaken Muslim-held Saraqusta, present-day Zaragoza, and to lay the groundwork for its future Christian reconquest. After the city fell, King Alfonso I "the Battler" granted Miranda's population to the Garcés family in 1134, and in 1160 the estate passed to the bishopric of Zaragoza through a donation by Ramón Berenguer IV. The castle reached its peak in the 13th century: in 1235 King James I extended Zaragoza's charter, the fuero, to Miranda. In 1323 James II sold the stronghold to the Archbishopric of Zaragoza, after which it disappears from the historical record, suggesting a gradual abandonment. At some later point its main tower was converted into a hermitage, and the keep was reworked to add a bell tower. When's the best time to visit? The site sits on open, exposed ground with no shade or visitor facilities, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, avoiding the peak heat of an Aragonese summer. Morning visits also pair well with birdwatching in the neighbouring Galachos de Juslibol reserve, where the Ebro's old river meanders draw large numbers of waterbirds. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entrance fee? No — the castle is an open archaeological site reached via a public trail, with no ticket office or admission charge. How long does a visit take? Exploring the ruins themselves takes well under an hour; allow extra time for the walk in and for taking in the views over the Ebro valley. Can it be combined with other attractions? Yes — the trail runs through the Galachos de Juslibol nature reserve, one of the best birdwatching spots near Zaragoza, making it easy to pair the castle with a nature walk. Is it suitable for children? The ground is uneven and unfenced, so older children will manage fine, but keep a close eye on younger ones near the wall edges and slopes.

Castillo de Serrella

Beniardà

Castillo de Serrella, also known as Castillo de Qashtal or Castell de la Serrella, is a ruined hilltop fortress straddling the boundary between the municipalities of Beniardà and Castell de Castells, in the province of Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain. How do you get there? The fortress sits atop the rocky ridge of Penya del Castellet, at roughly 1,050 metres above sea level, in the Marina Alta region. Because of its steep, rocky setting, the ruins can only be reached on foot — hiking trails set out from both Beniardà and the neighbouring village of Castell de Castells. The final stretch crosses uneven rock, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. What will you see there? The castle dates back to Muslim rule, built between the 9th and 10th centuries as a watchtower guarding the old route linking the Guadalest valley with the valley of Castell de Castells. The site is split into two distinct enclosures: a lower ward (albacar) on the Castell de Castells side, with surviving wall sections and a cistern, and an upper enclosure on the Beniardà side, set on a small plateau where a second cistern and a rectangular tower still stand. Only fragments of walls, cisterns and the tower remain today — a common fate for the mountain strongholds of al-Andalus after centuries of abandonment and weathering. What draws visitors here is less the ruins themselves than the sweeping panorama over the Marina Alta mountains from such an exposed vantage point. Following the Christian conquest, the fortress was taken by King Jaime I of Aragon in 1254. In 1290 it passed to Bernat de Sarrià, and it later came under the control of the Order of Calatrava. When should you visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the climb, since temperatures in the Marina Alta mountains are milder than in summer and the exposed trail is far less punishing. Setting out in the early morning is advisable to avoid the heat and leave more time to enjoy the views from the summit. Frequently Asked Questions Can you drive up to the castle? No — the final approach up the rocky slopes of Penya del Castellet can only be done on foot. How long does the hike take? There is no single fixed time, since the route depends on which trailhead you choose, Beniardà or Castell de Castells, and on your own pace — it is best to set aside a full morning for the outing. Does the castle belong to Beniardà or Castell de Castells? The municipal boundary runs directly through the ruins — the lower enclosure lies within Castell de Castells and the upper one, with the tower, within Beniardà, which is why ownership between the two villages has long been disputed. What else is worth seeing nearby? The Marina Alta region and the Guadalest valley, once watched over by this fortress, offer numerous hiking trails and viewpoints across the Serrella mountain range.

Castell de Navata

Navata

Castell de Navata is a medieval fortress in the village of Navata, in the Alt Empordà county of Girona province, Catalonia. Its ruins sit on a low hill above the village, close to Figueres, overlooking the flat farmland typical of the Empordà plain. What is the history behind the castle? The castle at Navata is first documented in the 11th century, when the area belonged to the county of Besalú. Between 1052 and 1093, the lords of Navata signed a series of feudal agreements with the bishop of Girona, a sign of the site's strategic value even in this early period. In 1099, Bernat Adalbert de Navata handed the castle over to Count Bernat III of Besalú, receiving it back as a fief shortly after. By the 14th century, lordship of Navata had passed to the Rocabertí family, originally based in nearby Peralada. Guerau de Rocabertí held the castle in 1320, and when he died without heirs in 1323, it passed to his brother, viscount Jofre IV de Rocabertí. The family retained control for generations, using the stronghold as a defensive outpost amid the rivalries between local noble houses. How did the building change over time? The Rocabertí of Peralada reinforced and expanded the structure in the 13th century, adapting it to withstand prolonged sieges. A further round of upgrades came in the 15th century, when the walls and towers were thickened and loopholes and battlements were added to cope with the growing use of firearms. In 1389, during clashes between Catalan and French forces, Navata's castle became a contested position, occupied at different points by both sides. Only the chapel survives from the original 11th–12th century structure, tucked beneath the tower at the north-west corner of the present ruins. The rest of the visible walls date from the 13th and 14th centuries, with substantial modifications added in the 15th. What can visitors see today? Castell de Navata now stands as an evocative ruin: sections of defensive walls, remnants of the tower, and traces of the old chapel let visitors trace the fortress's several building phases across the centuries. The hilltop position gives sweeping views over the surrounding Alt Empordà plain, making it a popular vantage point in the area. How do you get there? Navata lies in Girona province, right next to Figueres, one of the main towns of the Alt Empordà region and well connected to the rest of Catalonia. The village itself is small and rural, and the castle ruins rise on a hill within its boundaries, surrounded by the fields and orchards typical of the Empordà countryside. When is the best time to visit? Girona province enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, which makes exploring an open-air ruin like this pleasant for most of the year — spring and autumn in particular, when temperatures are comfortable and the surrounding Alt Empordà landscape is at its most scenic. Frequently Asked Questions What was Castell de Navata? A medieval defensive castle first documented in the 11th century, held over the centuries by successive noble families, including the Rocabertí of Peralada. What remains of the original building? Only the chapel from the 11th–12th century structure survives, hidden beneath the tower at the north-west corner of the ruins. Why was the castle rebuilt so many times? Successive owners reinforced it to withstand sieges in the 13th century, then adapted it for defense against firearms in the 15th century. Where exactly is the castle located? In the village of Navata, in the Alt Empordà county of Girona province, near Figueres.

Castell de Benissili

la Vall de Gallinera

Castell de Benissili is a medieval hilltop fortress in the municipality of La Vall de Gallinera, in the province of Alicante, perched on the rocky outcrop of Penya Grossa at nearly 785 metres above sea level. How to get there? The castle sits in the northern part of Alicante province, in the Marina Alta comarca, close to the village of Benissili, one of the eight small settlements that make up La Vall de Gallinera. No road reaches the ruins themselves — visitors follow a marked footpath up the rocky slope. The climb is steep and calls for sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness, but it rewards the effort with sweeping views over the valley. What will you see? The fortress follows the classic layout of Islamic-era castles in this region: a celoquia, or main citadel, flanked by two albacaras, large fortified courtyards once used to shelter people and livestock during a siege. Together these three enclosed, interlinked sections form a single defensive complex that closely follows the shape of the rocky ridge, giving the castle an unusually large footprint. The sheer natural cliffs of Penya Grossa give the whole site a genuine eagle's-nest character, a stronghold that looks almost impossible to take by force. The site's fame rests largely on Al-Azraq, the Muslim leader who used it as a base in his long resistance against the forces of King James I of Aragon. The earliest written record of the castle dates to 1245, tied to the signing of the Pouet agreement between James I and Al-Azraq. The fortress finally fell to the Aragonese crown on 1 June 1258, closing one of the last chapters of organised Muslim resistance in this part of the former Kingdom of Valencia. When to visit? La Vall de Gallinera is best known for its extensive cherry orchards, which blanket the hillsides in white blossom toward the end of winter and draw the valley's biggest crowds of visitors at that time. In summer, the exposed rocky approach to the castle can get very hot, so an early morning start or a cooler season is a better choice for the climb. Clear days offer the best panoramic views over the valley from the summit, whatever the time of year. Frequently Asked Questions Is the climb to the castle difficult? Yes — access is on foot only, along a steep path over rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are needed. Who is most associated with the castle? Al-Azraq, the Muslim leader who held out here against King James I of Aragon before the castle fell in 1258. How long did the final siege last? Sources don't specify the length of the siege, only that the castle was taken on 1 June 1258. What can you see on site? Surviving wall sections of the celoquia and its two albacaras, plus panoramic views over La Vall de Gallinera from the summit of Penya Grossa.

Castillo de Abanilla

Abanilla

Castillo de Abanilla is a medieval fortress in the town of Abanilla, in Spain's Murcia region, standing over the oldest and highest quarter of the settlement at roughly 268 metres above sea level. What is the history behind this castle? The site was already inhabited in Muslim times under the name Al-Bayada, falling under the Almohad jurisdiction of Orihuela. After the Christian conquest, King Alfonso X the Wise granted the settlement and its castle to the Aragonese nobleman Guillén de Rocafull in 1264, following the suppression of the Mudéjar revolt in the Kingdom of Murcia. The stronghold clearly carried real strategic weight by then, since it turns up repeatedly in Christian records drawn up shortly after the Reconquest, in the mid-13th century. In 1462 Abanilla and its castle passed into the hands of the Order of Calatrava, which held control for the next four centuries. Throughout the late Middle Ages and into the early modern period, the fortress remained the single most defining landmark of the whole area, standing for authority over the territory and its people. Abandonment and gradual dismantling of the fortification began in the 19th century. What can you actually see there today? Of the original walled complex, only a stretch of defensive wall still stands — the sole surviving trace of a site that once housed a castle, a mosque, an aljama (where justice was administered), a maqbara or Arab cemetery, and rock-cut dwelling caves. The monument sits on Calle Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, right next to the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús monument that now dominates Abanilla's skyline. Castillo de Abanilla holds official protection as a Bien de Interés Cultural under Spain's 1985 historical heritage law. Despite the modest remains, the hilltop itself gives a clear view over the old quarter and the surrounding valley. How do you get there? The castle sits within Abanilla's historic centre, in its highest section, so reaching it means walking uphill through the narrow streets of the old town. Abanilla itself lies in the Murcia region, close to the border with the Comunidad Valenciana, making it a convenient stop for anyone driving through this part of Spain. Because the site is an open ruin without any visitor centre, you explore it freely and on your own schedule, with no booking required. When is the best time to visit? The Murcia region brings hot summers and mild shoulder seasons, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to climb the hill and wander the old town without the summer heat. Since the site sits exposed with no shade or covered structure, it's worth avoiding the hottest midday hours during the summer months. Frequently Asked Questions Do you need to pay to visit the castle? Castillo de Abanilla is an open-air archaeological remnant with no ticket office or staffed entrance, so it can be visited freely, much like other outdoor monuments of this kind in the region. How much of the original fortress is actually still standing? Only a section of the defensive wall remains — everything else, including the mosque, the aljama and the residential caves, disappeared through centuries of neglect and the dismantling that began in the 19th century. Why does the castle matter historically given how little is left? Its role in the decades after the Reconquest and the four centuries under the Order of Calatrava earned it listing as a Bien de Interés Cultural, marking it as evidence of Murcia's long, layered history. Is there anything else worth seeing near the castle? Right beside it stands the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús monument, and the hilltop the castle occupies offers a view down over Abanilla's old quarter.

Castillo de Gallinera

la Vall de Gallinera

Castillo de Gallinera is a medieval fortress standing over the eastern entrance to La Vall de Gallinera, a valley in the province of Alicante on Spain's eastern coast. Locals more often call it Castillo de Benirrama, after the nearby hamlet at the foot of the hill. Where exactly is the castle? The ruins sit on a rocky outcrop next to the Almiserà peak, at 475.6 metres above sea level. From this vantage point the fortress once watched over the entrance to the valley from the coastal plain below — guarding that approach was its core purpose for centuries. What is the history behind it? The fortification has roots in the Islamic period of the Iberian Peninsula. It first appears in written records in 1245, when the local Muslim leader al-Azraq signed a treaty with King Jaime I known as the Pouet Convention, under which he kept temporary control of the castle. The arrangement did not last: al-Azraq's forces seized the fortress by force in 1247, only to lose it again to Jaime I's troops on 1 June 1258. From 1261 onward the king repeatedly handed the castle to different nobles to settle royal debts. A turning point came on 22 June 1322, when Jaime II gave the property to his son, the Infante Pere of Aragón — from that moment the Gallinera valley stopped being crown land and became a feudal lordship tied to the county of Dénia and the dukes of Gandia. The castle only returned to royal patrimony in 1424. A year later it passed to Guillem de Vich, and in 1487 his descendant Miquel Hieroni de Vich sold the entire valley, castle included, to Pere Lluís de Borja for 199,000 sueldos. By then the fortress already stood empty, and the earthquake of 1644 finished it off for good, collapsing what remained of its walls. What can you actually see there today? The castle stretches along a northeast-southwest axis for over 150 metres, with a maximum width of 33 metres. At the highest point of the hill, the remains of a rectangular keep and a large courtyard with two water cisterns are still visible. A long battlemented wall, reinforced with six towers, once ringed the entire hilltop, and an arched entrance corridor on the eastern side controlled access — a deliberate defensive design to slow down attackers. The masonry combines opus vitatum and opus incertum techniques typical of fortifications from this period. When is the best time to visit? La Vall de Gallinera, the valley the castle overlooks, is best known for the Ruta dels 8 Pobles, a walking route linking the valley's eight small villages: Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, La Carroja, Alpatró, Llombai and Benissilí. Early spring is the standout season to come, when cherry trees across the valley blossom between mid-March and early April — a sight the whole Comunitat Valenciana region is known for. These same orchards produce the cherries protected under the Cereza de la Montaña de Alicante designation of origin. Frequently Asked Questions Is the castle easy to reach? Getting there means walking up a hillside path to the ruins, so sturdy footwear is worth planning for. Can you see the sea from up there? Given its position at the valley's eastern gateway and its original role of watching the coastal plain, the site offers a wide view in that direction. Has the castle been restored? No — since the 1644 earthquake it has remained in ruins, and what survives today are sections of the walls, towers, keep and cisterns. Does visiting the castle connect to anything else in the valley? Yes — it lies along the area covered by the Ruta dels 8 Pobles, so a visit pairs naturally with a walk through the valley's villages and cherry orchards.

La Força de Tor

Alins

La Força de Tor is a medieval fortress in the village of Tor, part of the municipality of Alins in the Pallars Sobirà region of the Catalan Pyrenees. What is this place? The fortress sits on a rocky outcrop above the village of Tor, separated from the surrounding ridge by a wide ditch cut into the rock. A fragment of its circular tower survives, with walls roughly 1.3 metres thick and a remaining height of 4.3 metres, built from slate stone bonded with lime mortar. The stronghold controlled the approach to the Port de Cabús pass leading toward Andorra, making it a key strategic position throughout the Middle Ages. What is its history? Tor first appears in written sources in 839, in the act of consecration of the cathedral of La Seu d'Urgell, while the fortress itself is documented from 1102 onward. Because of its position on a contested frontier, control over Tor was disputed among the Viscounty of Castellbò, the Bishopric of Urgell, and the County of Pallars Sobirà, each of whom valued it as a border stronghold. The fortress was destroyed following the Gascon invasion of 1513 and has remained in ruins ever since, never rebuilt. How do you get there? Tor is one of the most isolated villages in Catalonia. It is reached by a narrow, unpaved track of just over 12 km from Alins, single-lane in many stretches, where only one vehicle can pass at a time. An alternative route runs from Andorra over the Port de Cabús pass, but requires a 4x4 vehicle. In winter the access road is frequently cut off by snow and ice, leaving the village effectively empty until the thaw. What else is there to see nearby? Standing at 1,649 metres above sea level, Tor is the second-highest permanent settlement in Catalonia. Alongside the ruined fortress, visitors can see the remains of the Romanesque church of Sant Pere del Roc and traces of old houses built directly against the rock face, evidence of the harsh mountain life once led here. The surroundings are rugged high-mountain terrain typical of Pallars Sobirà, with views toward the border with Andorra and the valley leading up to the Cabús pass. When should you visit? Given the difficulty of winter access, the best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn, when the approach road is passable and the village is inhabited again. That season also makes it easiest to appreciate the scale and harshness of the terrain the fortress once defended. Frequently Asked Questions What is La Força de Tor? It is the ruin of a medieval defensive tower, with a surviving fragment of its circular structure, standing above the village of Tor in the municipality of Alins. When was the fortress built? It is documented from 1102, though the settlement of Tor itself is mentioned as early as 839. Can you drive there in a regular car? The access road from Alins is narrow and partly single-lane, running over 12 km; it is often impassable in winter due to snow and ice. Why is the fortress in ruins? It was destroyed after the Gascon invasion of 1513 and was never rebuilt, remaining a ruin to this day.

Castillo de Belimbre

Santa María de Huerta

Castillo de Belimbre is a ruined medieval fortress about two kilometers south of Santa María de Huerta, a small town in the province of Soria, Castilla y León, Spain. Perched on a hill above the stream that gave it its name, the castle once formed part of the defensive line guarding the Jalón river valley. What will you see on site? Visitors find sections of thick stone walls and several round towers built on square bases, scattered across the hilltop. A third tower, detached from the main structure, sits lower down on the eastern slope and has a rectangular base instead. Inside the perimeter, a cistern carved directly into the rock is still visible — a common feature in hilltop strongholds that needed to store water during a siege. The site is freely accessible at any time, with no entrance fee, making it more of a quiet historical viewpoint than a fully restored monument. What is the history behind it? Excavations carried out in the early 20th century by the Marquis of Cerralbo and archaeologist Blas Taracena revealed that the hill had been occupied long before the medieval castle was built: they uncovered the remains of a Celtiberian hilltop settlement with cyclopean-style stonework. The fortress in its current form is believed to date from the 9th or 10th century. The area around Belimbre is considered the original site of Santa María de Huerta itself — the settlement later moved to its present location, where the town's well-known Cistercian monastery now stands. From its hilltop position, the castle kept visual contact with the nearby Castillo de Montuenga de Soria, roughly three kilometers to the southwest, allowing the two strongholds to signal each other in case of danger. Belimbre is also the setting of a local legend known as "La Hermosa de la Mancha Roja" (The Beauty with the Red Stain), centered on Zulima, daughter of the Almohad commander Aben-Zaide, who is said to have held the castle. According to the story, the knight Don Suero del Valle captured the fortress and killed her father, taking the orphaned Zulima under his protection; her spirit, marked by a stain of blood, was said to linger afterward near the stream below the hill. How do you get there? The starting point is Santa María de Huerta, a town in the Jalón valley best known for its large Cistercian monastery. From the town center, a walking or off-road track heads south, following the Belimbre stream up to the hill where the castle ruins stand. Since there is no visitor infrastructure on site, sturdy footwear and water are worth bringing along. When should you visit? Because the castle is an open-air ruin on a hillside with no roofed buildings or fixed opening hours, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for the walk, avoiding the harsher summer heat typical of this part of Castilla y León. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entrance fee for the castle? No, the ruins are open to the public with no ticket or admission charge. Are any complete structures still standing? Not in full form — what remains are sections of defensive wall, several towers on stone bases, and a rock-cut water cistern. Where does the name Belimbre come from? It comes from the stream that runs at the foot of the hill on which the fortress was built. Is it worth combining the visit with another nearby site? Yes, Santa María de Huerta is known for its Cistercian monastery, built after the original settlement tied to Castillo de Belimbre relocated to the town's current site.

Castell de Sant Ferran

Berga

Castell de Sant Ferran is a former fortress overlooking the town of Berga, in the Berguedà region of Catalonia, at the foot of the Serra de Queralt mountain range. The structure occupies the highest point of the town, a position that has shaped its defensive and strategic importance for centuries. What is the history behind the castle? The hill on which the fortress stands was already settled in Iberian times, and Roman chroniclers of the 2nd century BC referred to a fortified settlement known as "castrum vergium." This original stronghold is considered the nucleus from which Berga later grew, eventually becoming a royal town in the 14th century. Documents from the 11th century record the castle in the hands of the counts of Cerdanya; it later passed to the Peguera family and was subsequently sold to the Berga family. During the 16th century, the old castle was transformed into a significant fortress meant to hold off attacks by French Huguenots. The most decisive phase of expansion, however, came in the 18th century, when bastions, small forts and new defensive walls were added — it was at this point that the complex took on the name Castell de Sant Ferran, by which it is still known today. Its strategic position proved important during the 19th-century Carlist Wars, a period when the Berguedà region saw frequent armed conflict. At the end of the 19th century, the army handed the site over to the town council, and in 1928 it was sold to private owners. In 1940 a residential development and a hotel were built on the grounds of the former fortress, substantially altering the original layout of the fortifications. A turning point came in 1988, when part of the site was acquired by the Berguedà County Council, which converted it into its administrative headquarters; part of the complex had already come under the county council's stewardship in 1985. Today Castell de Sant Ferran is listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia and is protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. How do you get there? The castle sits within the town of Berga itself, on its highest hill, so reaching it from the town centre involves a relatively short but uphill walk. Berga lies in central Catalonia, in the Berguedà region, and serves as a natural base for exploring the surrounding mountains and the foothills of the Pyrenees. What will you see? Because of its long history of transformation — from a medieval stronghold, through 18th-century bastions, to 20th-century residential and hotel buildings — the site layers several distinct eras of construction. Part of the complex now functions as the seat of the county administration, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit. From the hill on which the castle stands, there are views over the town of Berga and the surrounding mountain ranges of the Berguedà region. When should you visit? The Berguedà region has a mountain climate, with cooler winters and mild summers, making spring and autumn the most comfortable seasons for walking up to the town's hilltop sites. Frequently Asked Questions Is this the same castle as the famous Castell de Sant Ferran in Figueres? No. This is a separate and much smaller town fortress in Berga, unrelated to the large 18th-century military fortress in Figueres, despite sharing the same name. Can visitors go inside the castle? Part of the building now serves as the administrative headquarters of the Berguedà County Council, so access to certain interior areas may be limited. Where does the name Sant Ferran come from? The complex received this name in the 18th century, during a major expansion that added bastions and new defensive walls. What historical role did the castle play? The fortress held a key defensive role from Iberian times through conflicts with Huguenot raiders in the 16th century and up to the Carlist Wars of the 19th century.

Castillo de Villanueva de Jamuz

Santa Elena de Jamuz

Castillo de Villanueva de Jamuz, also known as Castillo de los Quiñones, rises above the village of Villanueva de Jamuz, part of the municipality of Santa Elena de Jamuz in the province of León, within the Tierra de la Bañeza region. It stands among the best-preserved medieval fortresses of this part of Castile and León, and its history is closely bound up with the Quiñones family, one of the most powerful noble houses of medieval León. When was the village founded, and where does the castle's name come from? The earliest documents mentioning Villanueva de Jamuz date back to 1205, when King Alfonso IX granted the settlement a fuero, a charter regulating the rights and duties of its inhabitants. The village name refers to the Jamuz river that runs through it, while the castle's alternative name honors the Quiñones family, who governed the territory for centuries. Who built the castle? Construction began in the late 14th century under Diego Fernández de Quiñones, known as "el de la Buena Fortuna" ("the Fortunate"). He raised the keep, or torre del homenaje, the fortress's main defensive structure. Diego was the father of two notable figures of medieval León: Pedro Fernández de Quiñones and Suero de Quiñones. What connects the castle to Suero de Quiñones and the famous Paso Honroso? In 1435, shortly after the celebrated Paso Honroso tournament held at Hospital de Órbigo in the summer of 1434, Diego Fernández de Quiñones passed the castle to his second son, Suero. Suero de Quiñones is one of the most famous knights of medieval Spain, remembered as the protagonist of the Paso Honroso, widely regarded as the most spectacular chivalric tournament of the Iberian Middle Ages. It was in Villanueva de Jamuz that Suero made his home after the tournament brought him lasting fame. Once he took possession of the castle, he expanded it with an outer defensive wall and a barbican, sections of which still survive. What happened to the castle after Suero de Quiñones? The fortress did not always enjoy peaceful times. In 1496 the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, confiscated the castle from the Quiñones family after members of the house committed abuses against a servant of the Bishop of Astorga. The episode illustrates just how much power — and how much risk of conflict with the crown — the great feudal families of the era carried. What will you see on site? The castle consists of a square keep set into one corner of the enclosure, with a defensive wall attached to it. The tower measures 11.90 by 10.65 meters, rises across five floors, and reaches a height of 21.8 meters. Its facades are decorated with carved heraldic shields bearing the Quiñones coat of arms, visible from a distance and among the building's most distinctive features. The surrounding wall encloses a square courtyard measuring 33 by 38 meters and is reinforced by three towers, plus a separate gate tower that once controlled access to the fortress. Frequently Asked Questions Where exactly is the castle located? In the village of Villanueva de Jamuz, part of the municipality of Santa Elena de Jamuz, in the province of León, within the Tierra de la Bañeza region. Who built Castillo de Villanueva de Jamuz? Construction began in the late 14th century under Diego Fernández de Quiñones, and his son Suero de Quiñones expanded it after 1435. Why is the castle also called Castillo de los Quiñones? Because it was the seat and property of the Quiñones family for centuries, one of the most important noble houses of medieval León. What is the castle's most distinctive feature? The square, five-story keep standing 21.8 meters tall, decorated with carved stone shields bearing the Quiñones coat of arms.

Castillo de Castrocalbón

Castrocalbón

Castillo de Castrocalbón is a medieval fortress in the town of Castrocalbón, in the Tierra de La Bañeza region in the south of the province of León, Castile and León, Spain. The castle's ruins, also known as the Castle of the Counts of Castro, sit on the highest point of the town, right next to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Castro (Ermita de la Virgen del Castro). What is the history behind the castle? The castle's construction is attributed to the Castro family, a powerful noble house that raised the fortress in the 13th century. The importance of Castrocalbón itself, however, goes back even further: in 1152, King Alfonso VII of León granted the town its fuero, a municipal charter based on the earlier fuero of León from 1017. The document reflects the standing the settlement held within the Kingdom of León. The Knights Templar were present in the area around 1237. After the order's dissolution, part of its assets, including the castle, passed to the Counts of Benavente of the Pimentel family, and later to the Quiñones family. The succession of owners mirrors the turbulent history of the region, where control of the land shifted between the most powerful noble houses of medieval Spain. What can you see today? Time has taken a heavy toll on the structure — what remains of the original construction is mainly a stretch of wall built in the tapial technique (rammed earth) covered with a layer of mortar, along with a stone arch. Despite the modest remains, the site retains its character thanks to its hilltop position, which offers a panoramic view over the town and the surrounding fields of Tierra de La Bañeza. In Castrocalbón itself, it's also worth visiting the Church of San Salvador, whose chancel was built in the Mudéjar style, blending elements of Christian and Islamic building traditions. Visitors interested in the region's history can also stop at the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Castrocalbón (MAEC), which presents local heritage from prehistoric times through folk traditions. How do you get there? Castrocalbón lies in the province of León, in the Tierra de La Bañeza region, on the route connecting Astorga with the southern part of the province. The castle ruins stand on a rise at the center of town, right next to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Castro, making the walk to the site a natural part of exploring the town itself. When is the best time to visit? Given the nature of the site — open ruins on a hilltop with no covered exhibits — spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when temperatures in the León region are mild and the views from the vantage point are clearest. In summer, it's worth planning a visit for the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the strongest heat typical of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula. Frequently Asked Questions How much of the original castle survives? Not much — only a stretch of wall built in the tapial technique and a stone arch remain from the original structure, the rest having been lost over time. Who built the castle in Castrocalbón? The fortress was raised by the Castro family in the 13th century, later passing to the Counts of Benavente of the Pimentel family and then to the Quiñones family. What else is worth seeing in town? The Church of San Salvador, with its Mudéjar-style chancel, and the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Castrocalbón (MAEC). Can this visit be combined with other sights in the region? Yes, Castrocalbón sits on the route linking Astorga with the southern part of León province, making it easy to fold into a wider tour of the Tierra de La Bañeza region.

Valdavido Castle

Truchas

Valdavido Castle is a medieval fortress standing above the village of Valdavido, in the municipality of Truchas, León province, in the La Cabrera Alta district of Spain. What is this place? Also known as the Castillo del Conde de Peña Ramiro, the castle was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Alfonso VII, tasked with controlling the routes linking León to the territories further west. Its name comes from Ramiro Froilaz, a nobleman appointed Count of Cabrera by the king of León. The fortress sits on a rocky rise known as Peña de Valcaliente, on the Teso de la Cogolla, between Valdavido and Truchas, at an elevation of roughly 1,367 meters above sea level. The entire site holds BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) status, Spain's designation for assets of cultural significance. What will you see on site? The dominant feature of the ruins is the main square keep, roughly 6 by 6 meters, built directly onto the bare rock. Sections of the surrounding walls survive, along with a small circular masonry tower, and a further watchtower stands apart from the main enclosure. The esplanade beside the keep opens onto sweeping views of the surrounding countryside — the visual basin from the castle is estimated at around 300 square kilometers, making it one of the best vantage points in the La Cabrera region. A large, modern statue of Christ also stands atop the tower, unveiled on September 5, 1965 by Marcelo González Martín, then bishop of Astorga. Conservation and consolidation work was carried out on different parts of the ruins in 2015 and 2019. How do you get there? A footpath from the village of Truchas leads to the castle, marked locally as the "Ruta del Castillo" and listed by the town council as one of the area's official hiking routes. The ruins can also be reached from the village of Valdavido, which sits directly at the foot of the outcrop. The route is a mountain approach through La Cabrera Alta, a scenic and sparsely populated corner of León province. When should you visit? Given the altitude and exposed, rocky terrain, spring and autumn offer the best conditions for the hike and for taking in the panorama, with milder temperatures than midsummer and generally clearer visibility. The site remains an open ruin with no tourist infrastructure, so plan the visit during daylight hours and wear footwear suited to uneven, stony ground. Frequently Asked Questions When was the castle built? The fortress dates to the 12th century, built during the reign of Alfonso VII to control routes between León and the territories to the west. Does the castle have another name? Yes, it is also widely known as the Castillo del Conde de Peña Ramiro, after the title of Count of Cabrera granted to Ramiro Froilaz. What is the most distinctive feature of the ruins? The square main keep, about 6 by 6 meters, topped by a large statue of Christ added in 1965. Is the castle a protected site? Yes, the whole complex holds BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) status, Spain's heritage protection designation.

Nogarejas Castle

Castrocontrigo

Nogarejas Castle (Spanish: Castillo de Nogarejas), also known locally as Casa de la Peña or Castillo de Villar, stands on a rocky outcrop right next to the village of Nogarejas, part of the municipality of Castrocontrigo in the province of León, Castile and León. Unlike many fortified sites in the region, it served a purely military purpose from the start and was never used as a residence. What's the history behind the castle? Sources disagree on exactly when the stronghold was built: some researchers date it to the 11th century, when it would have risen as a Christian fortification defending the valley against Muslim incursions from the south, while others place its construction in the 14th century. The castle never stood alone — it kept visual signal contact, using fire and mirrors, with the towers of Truchas and Castrocalbón, together forming an early-warning network that stretched across a wide part of the region. What will you actually see there? What survives of the original complex is mainly a tower rising from the top of the rock, along with stretches of perimeter wall, now in a progressive state of ruin. The main entrance is marked by a pointed archway finished with brick voussoirs, a detail echoed in the small windows nearby. At the base of the tower, a cistern or well cut directly into the rock likely collected rainwater for the garrison. To the north of the enclosure stands a circular structure whose original purpose isn't fully settled — local tradition holds it may have been a kiln. Can you go inside the ruins? The land the castle sits on is privately owned, and tourist access to the site is prohibited. The ruins can only be viewed from the outside, at a safe distance, without entering the property. Despite the restricted access, the site carries real historical weight: it was protected under a decree issued in 1949, a status later confirmed and reinforced by Spain's Historical Heritage Law of 1985. How do you get to Nogarejas Castle? The starting point is the village of Nogarejas, in the municipality of Castrocontrigo, within the La Valdería district in the southwestern part of León province. The castle is visible from the vicinity of the village as a distinctive silhouette on its rocky perch above the Eria valley. Since the fortification's grounds are private and closed to visitors, the best way to take it in is from the surrounding roads and paths around the village, without approaching the ruin itself. Frequently Asked Questions How old is Nogarejas Castle? It's usually dated to the 11th century, though some sources point to the 14th century as the likely construction period. Can you walk onto the ruins? No. The land belongs to a private owner and tourist access is prohibited — the castle can only be viewed from the outside, at a safe distance. What was the well next to the tower used for? It's a cistern cut into the rock, likely used to collect rainwater for the people living in and defending the fortress. Which other towers was the castle connected to? It kept visual signal contact — using fire and mirrors — with the towers of Truchas and Castrocalbón, together forming an early-warning system against raids.

Castell de Figuerola de Meià

Camarasa

Castell de Figuerola de Meià is a lone medieval defensive tower rising above the abandoned village of Figuerola de Meià, part of the municipality of Camarasa in the Noguera region, deep in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees. Sitting at roughly 762 metres above sea level, at the foot of the path linking the Doll road with the Meià valley, the site today draws mainly hikers and enthusiasts of deserted villages and medieval military architecture. What will you see there? Of the original defensive complex, only a rectangular, slightly irregular tower survives, standing about 13 metres tall and originally divided into four storeys. Its walls were built from neat courses of stone blocks, pierced by small arrow slits. The upper section shows traces of later repairs carried out in opus spicatum technique, the distinctive herringbone stone pattern. Locally the tower is known as the Torre de la Inquisición (Inquisition Tower), though the name has no documented historical link to actual inquisitorial activity — it is more likely a folk label attached to a mysterious, abandoned structure over time. The tower's condition is poor: the surrounding area is largely in ruins, made up of the collapsed houses of the old village, and access to the tower itself is sometimes restricted for safety reasons. What is the history behind it? The earliest records of Figuerola date back to 1040, when a man named Company and his wife Guilla donated the tithes of the area to the monastery of Santa Maria de Meià. From 1094 onward, the monastery steadily expanded its rights over the settlement, and the sacramental will of Guitard Guillem de Meià later left a quarter share of Figuerola to the religious community. The castle itself was held in fief by Ramon Berenguer d'Àger, who in 1141 entrusted its administration to Pere Arnau de Puig. Ownership rights continued to shift over the following decades: in 1243 the monastery bought out the rights of Berenguera de Fontllonga and her son Guillem d'Oliola, and in 1264 Ròmia, daughter of Ramon de Fontllonga, handed over to the monastery all her remaining rights and property connected to the town and castle. Through these transactions, the monastery of Santa Maria de Meià became the effective feudal lord of Figuerola — a status that set this castle apart from most other strongholds in the Meià valley, since it never became part of the marquesat de Camarasa and instead remained under ecclesiastical rule until its defensive role faded. Beyond the tower itself, the area around the old village is also home to the church of Santa Eulàlia, a building of medieval origin standing outside the former settlement. It served as the parish church until the 16th century, when it was downgraded to a perpetual vicariate dependent on the parish of Fontllonga. How to get there and when to visit? Figuerola de Meià sits in rugged, hard-to-reach terrain within the municipality of Camarasa, so a car and a drive along local roads deep into the Meià valley are needed to reach it. Given the elevation (762 m) and the rocky character of the surroundings, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, with mild temperatures ideal for walking the paths around the village. Summers bring the heat typical of inland Catalonia, while winter can bring snowfall to the higher ground nearby. Finally abandoned during the 1970s, the village today has only a handful of permanent residents, making it one of the many so-called pobles abandonats (abandoned villages) that dot this part of Catalonia. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the castle tower? The tower is in very poor structural condition and access is sometimes closed for safety reasons — it's best to admire it from outside and stay cautious around the surrounding ruins. Why is the tower called the Inquisition Tower? It's a local, folk nickname attached to the structure; there is no documented historical evidence tying it to actual inquisitorial activity. Does anyone still live in Figuerola de Meià? The village was effectively abandoned during the 1970s and today counts only a few remaining residents. What else is worth seeing nearby? Close to the old settlement stands the medieval church of Santa Eulàlia, and the access route itself winds through the scenic Meià valley, a popular area for hikers.

Castillo de Diempures

Cantalojas

Castillo de Diempures is a ruined medieval fortress in the municipality of Cantalojas, in Guadalajara province, tucked into the Sierra de Ayllón mountains in Castile-La Mancha. The castle sits on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Sorbe River and a nearby stream, on a site that people had already settled long before any fortress was built there. How do you get there? Your starting point is the village of Cantalojas, perched above 1,300 meters and part of the region's "Black Architecture Route," known for its slate-built villages. There's no paved road to the ruins themselves — you reach them on foot along a rocky trail, so sturdy hiking shoes are worth packing. The area falls within the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Natural Park, and the famous Hayedo de Tejera Negra beech forest is only about 8 km away. What will you actually see? Only fragments of the walls and the outline of a keep survive, but they're striking precisely because of what they're made of: the fortress was built almost entirely from slate. Slate is an unusual choice for a defensive structure, but it's the signature material of the region's "black architecture" (arquitectura negra), found throughout villages in the Sierra de Ayllón. The site is open and free to visit at any time, and the view over the Sorbe valley from the remaining walls makes the climb worthwhile. Where does its history come from? The hill the castle stands on, known locally as El Castillar, was already inhabited in the Iron Age by Celtiberian settlers. Locals also still call the ruins "the Moors' castle" (Castillo de los Moros). The fortress itself took shape in the Middle Ages, serving as a watchtower and small military stronghold; at the height of its importance it marked the boundary between the territories of Tierra de Sepúlveda, Ayllón, and Atienza. Today the ruins are protected under a 1949 heritage decree and Spain's 1985 Historical Heritage Law. What legend surrounds the castle? A 14th-century tale is tied to Diempures, centered on Isabel de Mendoza, wife of the knight Iván Zúñiga. After a plague epidemic, Isabel had taken in a young orphaned relative. When Iván died on a military campaign, grief left her vulnerable, and the young man she had raised saw his chance to seize the castle for himself. One night he attacked her, but she fled to the keep and, in the struggle, managed to disarm and kill him with a dagger before taking her own life. Wolves are said to have devoured his body. Local tradition holds that on full-moon nights his weeping ghost still wanders the ruins. When is the best time to visit? Given the altitude and mountain climate, spring and early autumn offer the best conditions — dry trails and mild temperatures. Autumn is also ideal for pairing the visit with the colorful foliage of the nearby Hayedo de Tejera Negra. In winter, snow and icy paths can make the approach difficult. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for the ruins? No, the site is open to the public and free — there's no ticket booth or visitor center on site. How long does it take to walk to the castle? The hike from Cantalojas to the ruins typically takes somewhere between ten and thirty minutes one way, depending on the route and your pace. Are there any visitor facilities at the castle? None — it's a wild, low-key site with no infrastructure. Food and lodging options are available back in the village of Cantalojas. What else is worth seeing nearby? The Hayedo de Tejera Negra beech forest and other slate-built villages of the region are close by, making Diempures a good base for exploring the wider Sierra Norte de Guadalajara.

Castell de Verdú

Verdú

Castell de Verdú is a medieval fortress in the small town of Verdú, in the Urgell region of Lleida, Catalonia, around which the whole settlement grew up. The building blends Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements and ranks among the best-preserved defensive structures in the area. The history behind the walls The lands around Verdú were reconquered from Moorish rule around 1055–1056 by Count Ramon Berenguer I, who granted the territory to the Arnau Company family; they held the castle for nearly two centuries. The first written record of the fortress dates from 1080, and its distinctive keep was raised in the 12th or early 13th century. In 1184, Berenguela de Cervera granted the townspeople the privilege of building their settlement directly around the castle — before that, the community had been centered on the banks of the Cercavins river, a tributary of the Ondara. A turning point came in 1227 (some sources say 1230), when Guillem de Cervera entered the monastery of Poblet and handed over the castle as a donation tied to a crusade to the Holy Land. From then on, the fortress served as the residential palace of the abbots of Poblet. The most stately part of the complex was built under Abbot Copons (1316–1348): a barrel-vaulted cellar, an intermediate floor likely used for agricultural purposes, and a grand reception hall on the upper level. The Barony of Poblet retained ownership until 1835, when church properties were seized by the state under Mendizábal's disentailment. What will you see? The heart of the complex is the keep (torre de l'homenatge), a circular tower roughly 22 metres tall, divided into three floors and standing at the centre of the courtyard — the oldest surviving element of the site. Around it spread the residential and reception rooms built during the abbots' era, including the barrel-vaulted cellar and the great hall upstairs. Walking through the building, you can trace its layered history: from austere early defensive stonework to the more decorative Gothic and Renaissance touches added over the following centuries. How to get there? The castle sits in the centre of Verdú, in the heart of the Urgell region, about 20 km from Tàrrega and not far from the Poblet monastery, with which the fortress shares centuries of shared history. Driving is the most practical option — Verdú lies on local roads connecting Tàrrega and Montblanc. Once parked in town, the castle is a short walk away. When to visit? The castle has been open to visitors since October 2014, following a lengthy restoration effort that ran from 2005 and cost roughly one million euros to rebuild the structure from the foundations to the roofline. It's worth checking current opening hours before your visit, as they can vary by season. Spring and autumn make for the most comfortable weather to explore the town and the castle's interior, while summers in the region tend to run hot. Frequently asked questions Who built Castell de Verdú? The fortress was established after the Arnau Company family recovered the land from Moorish rule in the mid-11th century, and it took much of its current form through renovations carried out by the abbots of Poblet monastery from the 13th century onward. Can you visit the castle today? Yes — after extensive restoration work, the castle has been officially open to the public since 2014. What is the castle's connection to Poblet monastery? From 1227/1230, when Guillem de Cervera donated the fortress to the order, the castle served as a residence for the abbots of Poblet, who expanded it with grand reception rooms. What is the oldest part of the castle? The circular keep in the courtyard, built in the 12th or early 13th century and standing about 22 metres tall.

Monteagudo Castle-Palace

Monteagudo

Monteagudo Castle-Palace crowns a steep limestone hill in the town of Monteagudo, about 5 km northeast of Murcia, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region thanks to the towering statue of Christ that tops it. What is the history behind the castle? The earliest records of a fortification on this site date to 1078–1079, when it served as a place of confinement — Abd al-Rahman Ibn Tahir was imprisoned here after losing power. The complex took the shape it largely retains today in the 12th century, under Ibn Mardanish, the independent ruler of Murcia and the Muslim Levant known to Castilian chroniclers as the "Wolf King" (Rey Lobo), who governed his own small state from 1147 to 1172 while fiercely resisting the Almohads. Ibn Mardanish built Monteagudo as part of a defensive line protecting the fertile Murcian plain and the roads linking Murcia to Orihuela, alongside the nearby strongholds of Castillejo and Larache. The castle also formed part of the Royal Almunia, a residential estate built by the same ruler. After Ibn Mardanish's defeat by the Almohads in 1165, the fortress was abandoned and plundered. Its fortunes changed once the taifa of Murcia became a protectorate of the Crown of Castile in 1243. Alfonso X the Wise turned Monteagudo into his Murcian residence, with a documented visit in 1257. Together with Castillejo and the nearby estate of Larache, the castle formed the extensive holding known as the Real de Monteagudo, which the king granted to his wife, Violante of Aragon, and which later passed to María de Molina. Around 1304, territorial reorganization turned Monteagudo into a Castilian frontier stronghold facing the Kingdom of Valencia. What can you see at the site? The castle is arranged in two concentric zones on top of the hill. The upper section has a rectangular layout reinforced with square towers, centered on a courtyard surrounded by living quarters. The lower zone is enclosed by a defensive wall that gives the whole complex an appearance of near-impregnability. Its most striking feature, though, is the 14-metre statue of Christ crowning the summit. The original monument was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and rebuilt in 1951 — the statue seen today is visible from much of the Murcian huerta, the fertile plain that has been irrigated since Muslim times. How do you get to Monteagudo Castle? Monteagudo lies just a few kilometres from central Murcia, making the castle an easy half-day trip — simply reach the town and follow the steep footpath that climbs to the hilltop. When is the best time to visit? Because the climb is steep and largely unshaded, it's best to visit outside the hottest part of the day — early morning or late afternoon, when the light also does the most for the view over the valley and the statue itself. Frequently Asked Questions Who built Monteagudo Castle? Its present form dates to the 12th century, when Ibn Mardanish, the independent Muslim ruler of Murcia, rebuilt and expanded it, although a fortification had already existed on the site since at least the late 11th century. Why is there a statue of Christ on the castle? A monumental 14-metre statue crowns the hilltop; the original was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and rebuilt in 1951, and it remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the Murcia region. What was Alfonso X the Wise's connection to the castle? After Murcia came under Castilian protection in 1243, King Alfonso X made Monteagudo his residence in the area, with a documented visit in 1257. Is it worth combining a visit with other nearby sites? Yes — the remains of Castillejo, a palace complex from the same era, lie right nearby, offering a fuller picture of the defensive system Ibn Mardanish built around Murcia.

Castillo de la Zuda

Borja

Castillo de la Zuda is a medieval fortress overlooking the town of Borja, in the province of Zaragoza, in the Spanish region of Aragon. The castle sits on the top of a hill dominating the town, and its irregular, rectangular layout was shaped to follow the rocky terrain beneath it. What is the history behind the castle? The fortress dates back to the period of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula. During that time Borja was under the control of the Banu Qasi lineage, descendants of the Hispano-Visigothic Casius family. Emir Muhammad I had to conquer the town twice, in 876 and 882, which shows how strategically important the stronghold already was at that time. The Christian reconquest reached Borja in 1124 under Alfonso I the Battler. The castle then passed through the hands of successive tenentes, or royal governors. Between 1134 and 1151 it was ruled by Ortí Ortiz under the protection of Navarre, before returning to Aragonese control when the Knights Templar handed it over to Ramon Berenguer IV. From that point on, Castillo de la Zuda became a key defensive stronghold on the border between three medieval kingdoms: Aragon, Castile and Navarre. In 1288 Alfonso II was forced to hand the fortress over to a noble union of rebels, and in 1362 it was seized by Castilian forces. Once back in Aragonese hands, the castle passed through a series of private lords, including the Breton commander Bertrand du Guesclin in 1366 and Princess Violante in 1387. Why was the castle so strategically important? After Borja came under Aragonese rule around 1120, the town became part of a defensive network of castles and towers stretching from north to south across the kingdom. Because of its position at the meeting point of the Aragonese, Castilian and Navarrese borders, Castillo de la Zuda served as one of the key strongholds of that system throughout the following centuries of the Middle Ages. How do you get to the castle? The castle rises directly above the historic center of Borja, on a hill visible from most of the town. Reaching the top means walking up the steep streets of the old quarter. Borja itself lies about 60 km west of Zaragoza, reachable from the city by car or regional bus. What is there to see on site? Surviving remains include sections of the defensive walls and the outline of the rectangular structure adapted to the rocky hilltop. The summit itself is a good vantage point, offering panoramic views over the town and the surrounding vineyards of the Campo de Borja wine region. The site appeals both to visitors interested in Spain's medieval history and to those looking for viewpoints away from the busier tourist routes. When is the best time to visit? Since this is an open-air site with no covered areas or visitor infrastructure, it's best to avoid the hottest summer months in Aragon. Spring and autumn are more comfortable seasons for the walk up the hill and for taking in the views at a relaxed pace. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? Castillo de la Zuda is a ruin with no ticket booth or permanent staff, so access to the hill is generally open - it's still worth checking current visiting conditions with the local tourist information office. Can the castle be seen from the center of Borja? Yes, its elevated position on the hill makes the castle visible from almost anywhere in town, and it acts as a clear landmark for the whole area. Who built the castle? The fortress was built during the period of Muslim rule in the region, and passed to the Kingdom of Aragon following the Christian conquest of Borja in 1124. What else is worth seeing in Borja besides the castle? Borja is the capital of the Campo de Borja wine region, so beyond its historic sites it's worth visiting local wineries and exploring the old town that spreads out at the foot of the castle hill.

Castillo de Ablitas

Ablitas

Castillo de Ablitas is a medieval fortress overlooking the town of Ablitas in the Ribera de Navarra region of southern Navarre, Spain. Perched on a hill above the village, its distinctive circular main tower is visible from a considerable distance. What is the history behind the castle? A fortification likely stood on this site as early as the Muslim period, though the castle as documented today first appears in twelfth-century records, after the Christian conquest of the area. It is generally believed to have been rebuilt following the capture of the town in 1121 by Alfonso the Battler, king of Aragon and Navarre. Over the following centuries, Castillo de Ablitas became one of the Kingdom of Navarre's key strongholds along its border with Aragon and Castile. From the thirteenth century onward, historical sources repeatedly refer to it as a royal castle. From roughly the mid-thirteenth century, its role narrowed almost entirely to military defense, forming part of the system protecting the kingdom's southern frontier. The most significant building work took place in the seventeenth century. In 1617 the castle underwent major renovation, with new rooms and battlements added. In 1620 a wine cellar was built and the roof repaired. Further works followed in 1642, commissioned by Gaspar Enríquez de Lacarra y Navarra, first Count of Ablitas, who had the main tower lowered and eight brick turrets built, separated by additional battlements. The castle's decline came in the early eighteenth century. The town was sacked twice in 1710 and again in 1711; the castle itself was destroyed after the town's mayor took refuge inside it while defending the settlement. What can visitors see on site? Today Castillo de Ablitas holds the status of Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), Spain's highest category of heritage protection. The site's centerpiece is its circular main tower, around which a series of chambers partly carved into the rock are arranged. The castle underwent thorough restoration in 2020, which has made the ruins safer to explore and easier to interpret for visitors. Walking around the remaining walls reveals the fortress's strategic position: from the promontory above the village, the view extends across the Ribera de Navarra valley. How do you get to the castle? Castillo de Ablitas sits directly above the town of Ablitas, in the province of Navarre, close to the border with Aragon. Its coordinates are 41.972951, -1.637708. The easiest way to reach it is by car, following the local provincial roads that connect Ablitas with the larger towns of the Ribera region. The final stretch up to the castle hill is done on foot. When is the best time to visit? Since the site is unshaded and fully exposed to the sun, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, when temperatures in the Ribera de Navarra are milder than at the height of summer. Early morning or late afternoon light is particularly flattering for photographing the tower and the surrounding landscape. Frequently asked questions Is Castillo de Ablitas a legally protected heritage site? Yes, it holds Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) status, Spain's highest level of cultural heritage protection. Who built the castle? The fortification may have originated on the site of an earlier Muslim structure, with the castle's current form linked to reconstruction after Alfonso the Battler's conquest of the town in 1121. Why was the castle destroyed? It was destroyed between 1710 and 1711, when Ablitas was repeatedly sacked and the town's mayor made a last stand inside the castle during the raids. Has the castle been restored? Yes, restoration work carried out in 2020 improved the condition and accessibility of the ruins for visitors.

Castell de la Roqueta

Sant Martí de Tous

Castell de la Roqueta is a ruined medieval fortress standing above the town of Sant Martí de Tous, in the Catalan region of Anoia. What is the history behind the castle? The earliest written record of the fortress dates to the year 960, in a deed confirming ownership issued by Borrell II, Count of Barcelona and Osona, to his vassal Isarn, son of Sal·la. The place name used at the time, "Ipsa Rocheta," reflects the site's rugged, strategic character, built along the frontier zone known as the Marca as a defensive outpost against Saracen incursions. In 1226, following a bequest by Guerau Alemany de Cervelló, the castle passed into the hands of the monastery of Santes Creus, which retained control over it for generations. In 1311, the abbot of the monastery and Pere de Tous signed an agreement setting the boundaries between their respective domains, confirming that the fortress still functioned as a distinct center of local authority at that time. What will you see on site? Very little of the original structure survives — this is a genuine ruin rather than a restored monument. At the top of the hill, visitors find the remains of a wall built directly on the bedrock, connected to the scant remnants of the castle's chapel. A shared section of wall survives along with a few semi-circular arches, built from regular but modestly sized and uneven stonework. At the highest point of the hill lie traces of a former tower, believed to be the oldest part of the whole complex. Despite the sparse remains, the site rewards visitors with open views over the Serra de Queralt range and the valley below, where Sant Martí de Tous sits. How do you get there? The ruins crown a hill between the Church of Santa Maria and the Coll de la Savinosa pass, on the southwestern edge of town. Access is on foot, via a local path climbing from the village center up the hillside — a short but somewhat demanding walk over uneven ground. There are no fixed opening hours or entry fees, since this is an open, unstaffed archaeological site freely accessible from the outside. When should you visit? With no shelter from the sun and no shade along the climb, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit, when temperatures are milder and the walk up the hill less strenuous. Early morning or late afternoon light works particularly well here, casting a warm glow on the stone walls and offering the clearest views over the surrounding hills. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entry fee for the castle ruins? No — the site is freely accessible at any time, with no tickets and no set opening hours, since there is no visitor infrastructure or staff on site. Has the castle been restored? No, only fragments remain: sections of wall, the remnants of the chapel, and traces of a tower. It is an authentic archaeological ruin rather than a reconstructed monument. How long does a visit typically take? Because the surviving remains are modest in scale, the visit itself is usually brief, though reaching the hilltop on foot adds some extra time. What else can you combine this visit with? The ruins sit right next to the Church of Santa Maria in Sant Martí de Tous, making it easy to pair both sites in a single short walk through the town's historic quarter.

Castillo de las Adzaharas

la Vall de Laguar

Castillo de las Adzaharas sits above the village of La Vall de Laguar, tucked into the mountainous interior of the Marina Alta district in Alicante province. This crumbling hilltop fortress near Fontilles rewards travelers willing to leave the coast behind and head into one of the wildest corners of the Costa Blanca hinterland. What is the history behind the castle? The fortification has Muslim-era origins and originally consisted of two rectangular chambers, partly carved directly into the rock and enclosed by walls of rammed earth (tapial) so dense they have outlasted centuries of weathering. After the Christian conquest of the area, the estate passed in 1300 to Constanza of Aragón, and in 1609 the castle was taken by Sancho de Luna. Its final chapter came with the expulsion of the Moriscos ordered by Philip II: residents of the Laguar valley fled toward Mount Cavall Verd, where troops from Naples under commander Agustín Mejías cornered them, and roughly 1,500 people — men, women and children among them — died in the ensuing violence. The castle was abandoned soon after and never resettled. What will you actually see on site? What remains today is a genuine ruin — sections of defensive wall, a stone water cistern (aljibe), and the base of one tower, all half-swallowed by scrub vegetation. There are no ticket booths, information panels, or visitor facilities of any kind. This is a site for travelers who want raw history and a bit of scrambling, not a polished monument. How do you get there? The ruins stand within the municipality of La Vall de Laguar, on high ground near Fontilles, a short drive inland from the Costa Blanca coastline. The valley is threaded by narrow mountain roads connecting the villages of Campell, Fleix and Benimaurell, and a rental car is by far the most practical way in, since public transport through this area is minimal. The final stretch to the castle is on foot over unmarked terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential. When is the best time to visit? Because the site sits exposed on rocky, largely shadeless terrain, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable conditions, with milder temperatures than the peak of summer. Midsummer heat in this part of Marina Alta can be intense, so an early-morning visit is the smarter choice if you're coming between June and August. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entrance fee for Castillo de las Adzaharas? No — there is no ticket office or formal visitor infrastructure. It is an exposed ruin on open ground. Is the site suitable for young children? The ground is uneven, rocky and partly overgrown with no marked paths, so visits call for caution and are not especially comfortable for very young kids. What else can you pair with a visit to the castle? La Vall de Laguar valley works well as a base for hiking through the mountainous backcountry of Marina Alta and for exploring the stone architecture of the region's terraced villages. Are there other historic sites nearby? The municipality itself and neighboring settlements, including Fontilles, carry a long history tied to the area's period of Muslim rule and the Christian resettlement that followed in this part of Alicante province.

Castell de Vilallonga

Vilallonga

Castell de Vilallonga is a medieval hilltop fortress overlooking the small town of Vilallonga in the province of Valencia, within the La Safor region. How do you get there? The ruins sit roughly 1.5 kilometres southeast of the town centre, perched on a steep hill rising to 250 metres, part of the Serra de les Fontelles range within the wider Serra Gallinera. A walking path climbs from the town and takes under an hour to reach the top; sturdy footwear is worth packing, since the final stretch runs over rocky, uneven ground. Cars can only reach the base of the hill — the rest of the way is on foot. What will you see on site? Known locally as the "castell dels Moros," the fortress is an irregular structure carved into the rock, made up of two partially concentric, terraced defensive enclosures roughly 90 metres long and 40 metres wide. Surviving remains include sections of the outer walls, a water cistern, and terraces that once served as watch positions. Although much of the structure lies in ruins, its layout still traces the original plan of a stronghold stretched along the ridge to make full use of the hill's natural defences. From the summit, the view opens onto the Vilallonga valley, the surrounding Serra Gallinera hills, and, on a clear day, toward the Mediterranean coast. What is the history behind the castle? The fortress dates from the Muslim era and guarded the Vilallonga valley for centuries. In August 1240, King James I of Aragon conquered the valley and granted the castle and its lands to Diego López III de Haro, Lord of Biscay. In 1269, by a charter issued at Castellfabib, the king — who himself described it as a "castle of great and strong rocks" — granted lordship over the fortress to the knight Arnau Romaní. The estate later passed to Juan Llansol, and a surviving 1406 document records the granting of the castle's stewardship to a certain Just de la Porta. In the early 17th century, Pedro Franquesa Esteve, secretary to King Philip III, acquired the lordship and turned it into a barony; after his property was confiscated, the estate came under the control of the Royal Audience of Valencia. In 1621, King Philip IV sold the fief to the Borja family of Gandia, who held it as part of their ducal estates until the mid-19th century, when the castle finally lost its defensive role and fell into ruin. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the climb, when temperatures in the La Safor region are milder than the height of summer and the trail isn't exposed to harsh sun. Because the terrain is rocky and steep in places, it's worth avoiding the hike after rain, when the path becomes slippery. The castle is accessible year-round and requires no advance booking, since it's an open, unguarded site on public land. Frequently Asked Questions Is the climb to the castle difficult? The route is short, but its final stretch crosses uneven, rocky ground, so a basic level of fitness and proper hiking shoes are recommended. Can you see the sea from the castle? On clear days, the coastline is visible in the distance, though the main view is of the Vilallonga valley and the surrounding Serra Gallinera range. Where does the name "castell dels Moros" come from? It's a local name referring to the fortress's Muslim-era origins, predating the Christian conquest of the valley in the 13th century. Are there other attractions nearby? The town of Vilallonga itself, at the foot of the hill, showcases typical La Safor architecture and makes a convenient base for exploring the wider Serra Gallinera range.

Castillo de Artasona

Loscorrales/Os Corrals

Castillo de Artasona, near Loscorrales in the province of Huesca, Aragon, is a ruined medieval fortress standing on a hilltop close to the small town of Ayerbe. Reduced today to a few standing walls and two towers, it remains one of the notable stops on the trail of border castles that once defended this part of Aragon. A frontier fortress with royal origins The earliest written record of a stronghold at Artasona dates to 1087, when King Sancho Ramírez ordered Sancho Aznárez de Perarrúa and Pepino Aznárez de Alquézar to raise a castle here and resettle the surrounding land. The project served two purposes at once: securing royal authority over territory only recently taken from Muslim rule, and controlling the road linking Loarre with Zaragoza. A small settlement grew up on the southeastern slope below the walls, and this community received its founding charter from Alfonso I in 1134. In 1261, King Jaime I folded Artasona into the barony of Ayerbe, which he had created for his son Pedro. The lordship changed hands again in 1390, when the Claramonte family took control of the barony; their descendants were later granted the title of Marquises of Artasona in 1803. It was under the Claramonte family, during the 15th and 16th centuries, that the austere military stronghold was substantially remodeled into a residential palace-castle. The building's decline came during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. French troops occupying the site dynamited it before withdrawing, leaving the castle in the ruined state visitors find today. What survives on site The complex follows a triangular plan roughly 45 by 30 metres, originally anchored by a cylindrical tower at each corner. The southern half of the structure still stands, preserving two of those towers along with connecting stretches of curtain wall, enough to trace the outline of the original fortification. The entire northern half, by contrast, has collapsed into rubble. Even in ruin, the silhouette still commands the surrounding countryside, hinting at the scale of the stronghold that once guarded this strategic route. How to get there The ruins crown a hill in the municipality of Loscorrales, about 8 kilometres south of Ayerbe, near the site of the former Turuñana railway station. The area lies within the Hoya de Huesca comarca, a district known for its dense cluster of medieval castles and watchtowers, making Artasona a natural stop for anyone touring the region's fortified heritage. When to visit There is no shelter or indoor attraction on the hilltop, so the site is best explored during seasons that favour walking outdoors. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures than the height of summer, when Aragon's Mediterranean-influenced climate can turn very hot. Frequently Asked Questions What was Castillo de Artasona? A medieval frontier castle built in 1087, later remodeled into a residential palace-castle by the Claramonte family. Why is the castle in ruins today? French troops dynamited it during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century as they withdrew from the area. How many towers still stand? Two of the original three corner towers survive, along with the southern stretch of curtain wall. Where exactly is the castle located? On a hilltop in the municipality of Loscorrales, Huesca province, about 8 km south of Ayerbe, near the former Turuñana station.

Castle of Marcuello

Loarre

Castle of Marcuello is a ruined medieval castle in the village of Sarsamarcuello, part of the municipality of Loarre in the province of Huesca, in the Aragon region of Spain. Perched on a hilltop in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it stands in the shadow of its far more famous neighbor, the great Romanesque castle of Loarre, yet it commands one of the widest panoramas in the entire area. How to get there? Sarsamarcuello sits within the Hoya de Huesca district, a short distance from the town of Loarre, best known for its imposing Romanesque fortress. Reaching the site is easiest by car, following the rural roads that wind through the Pyrenean foothills. The castle belongs to a wider network of defensive strongholds built across this part of Aragon, alongside the fortifications of Murillo, Agüero and Ayerbe, making it a natural stop for travelers already touring the historic castles of Huesca province. What will you see? The castle is believed to have been founded before 1074, likely on the initiative of King Sancho Ramírez of Aragon, which makes it one of the oldest defensive structures in this part of the region. Over the following centuries it passed through the hands of several royal custodians: Pedro Sánchez held it until 1105, followed by Barbatuerta and Sancio Enecones, with Pedro Ortiz recorded as its keeper around 1170. From the early 15th century onward, the fortress belonged to the house of Antón de Luna. The original layout followed the simple pattern typical of frontier castles in this region: a stone tower raised on a rocky outcrop, encircled by a defensive wall. Today only a straight stretch of roughly built wall survives, standing in clear contrast to the finely cut ashlar stonework of the tower itself — a difference that still lets visitors distinguish the oldest parts of the structure from later additions. The castle remained inhabited until the late 15th century, after which its residents gradually resettled in the nearby villages of Sarsamarcuello and Linás de Marcuello, leaving the fortress abandoned by the early 17th century. Despite its ruined state, the site's greatest draw is its setting: from the remaining walls, visitors take in a sweeping view over the Pyrenean foothills, often described as even broader than the vista from the better-known castle of Loarre. That combination of medieval military architecture and open landscape is what draws history enthusiasts and landscape photographers alike. When to visit? Spring and early autumn are the best times to explore the ruins, when temperatures across Aragon are milder and the exposed hillside terrain is easier to walk. Summers in this part of Spain can turn quite hot, making longer walks around the site less comfortable, while winter can bring less favorable conditions on the approach roads through the foothills. Many visitors pair a stop here with a visit to the castle of Loarre a few kilometers away, combining both into a single day trip through the region's most notable defensive landmarks. Frequently Asked Questions How does Castle of Marcuello differ from the Castle of Loarre? They are two separate fortresses within the same municipality — Loarre castle is far larger and much better preserved, while Castle of Marcuello is a smaller, partially ruined structure, chiefly known for its wide-reaching view over the surrounding countryside. When was the castle built? The earliest records place its origins before 1074, most likely founded under King Sancho Ramírez of Aragon. Can the ruins still be visited? Yes, the surviving stretch of defensive wall and the stone tower remain visible on site, though the location is a ruin rather than a fully restored monument. How do you get there? The easiest way is by car — Sarsamarcuello lies within the municipality of Loarre in Huesca province, reached via rural roads through the Pyrenean foothills, close to the Loarre castle itself.

Monuments in Spain