What a selection! The truth is that it costs a lot to make a list of the most beautiful castles in Spain… Are so many! And with what criteria we could organize them, right? Thinking well about the subject I have been inclined by my love for the Middle Ages and for medieval fantasy.
So, I have selected the castles that look like something out of a fairy tale starring knights in shining armor and princesses with hats on their heads. Castles of strong, massive appearance, challengeable perhaps in theory and not in practice. Could it be that you match my selection?
The most beautiful castles in Spain
I clarify first that it is not a top ten or anything like that so they are arranged in no order of preference, age, style or beauty. That said, we start with our first fairytale castle, it is the Alcazar of Segovia. It is located where the Clamores valley and the Eresma valley meet and it is truly impressive.
Different royal houses have shaped it over time and it has been known to be fortress, royal palace, prison, artillery college and today the Historical Archive Military. It is believed that its foundation dates back to Roman times, although it already appeared as a castle in the XNUMXth century.
Es one of the most visited castles in Spain and it is the heart of the Old City of Segovia, a World Heritage Site since 1985.
It was a favorite residence of the Kings of Castile and it used to be a very luxurious residence. Important events such as the wake of Felipe II or the proclamation of Elizabeth the Catholic. It is a complete castle: with a Tower of Homage, a drawbridge, a moat, a chapel and a patio. It stands on a hill and its interior today also houses the military historical archive and an interesting Weapons Museum.
You have different opening hours in summer or winter. Between April and October it opens from 10 am to 8 pm and between November and March it is open until 6 pm. It is entered until half an hour before closing and there are some days that it closes like Christmas Eve, Christmas, December 31, January 5 or the Day of the Alcazar.
It offers a full ticket at 8 euros, another to visit only the Palace and the Museum at 5 euros and a third to visit only the Tower of Juan II at 50 euros.
Another imposing medieval castle, made of pure stone and round and challenging towers, is the Castle of Jarandilla de la Vera. Is in Extremadura in the province of Cáceres, in a town of Muslim origin. It seems that its origins date back to the XNUMXth century and although it is not a luxurious castle but quite austere It is striking.
It is rectangular and symmetrical in shape, with a central patio, and although it has lost some of its original shapes, it still retains the front towers that border the main door and it is assumed that it had a drawbridge.
The Torre del Homenaje is quite high, standing out above the rest of the castle, and is crowned by a cornice although it does not have battlements. Although it has its centuries and as I said above, the Castle of Jarandilla has undergone its modifications today It is in use as Parador Nacional de Turismo Carlos I. Besides being able to sleep in it, you can visit it and if you want to schedule everything you can communicate by phone or by email.
El Ponferrada Castle is in the province of León, in Castilla y León, on a hill at the confluence of the Sil and Boeza rivers. It has Celtic origins and it is believed that Romans and Visigoths also passed through here. Ponferrada was given to the famous Knights Templar by Fernando II of León, but time later Alfonso IX temporarily removes the town for later, when the Order is tried, to be returned to the crown of León by the master.
The northern part of the castle dates from the XNUMXth century and the rest is from the XNUMXth century and later. Have a great templar legacy, especially in the paseo de ronda, the barbican and the towers. There is a parade ground and a beautiful Torre del Homenaje. In medieval times it was one of the most important fortresses in this part of Spain and for lovers of military architecture a castle that cannot be left in the dark.
Ponferrada Castle is open until the end of the month from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 to 7 pm. Between November and December it closes on Mondays and also has split hours. It is also closed on Sunday afternoons. General admission costs 6 euros.
In a similar style, of massive fortress, is the Castle of La Mota, in Valladolid. Its origins are those of a defensive construction, although it also served as an archive and prison. It has a trapezoidal shape with two walls, interior and exterior, two access bridges, a single drawbridge, and an arch with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs. It has a deep moat, five towers, one Tower of Homage 40 meters high and a parade ground.
Today several of its corners are open to visits. The tour It includes the exterior, the parade ground, the chapel and the Juan de la Cosa room. In summer it opens from 11 am to 2 pm and from 4 to 7 pm, and on Sundays and holidays it is open from 11 am to 2 pm. In winter it closes an hour before.
The visit is free, although the guided visit that also includes the archaeological site of the Iron Age and the underground gallery has a cost of 4 euros. Also the visit to the Torre del Homenaje.
El Castle of Loarre is reputed to be the best preserved medieval castle in Spain. It has three parts, the ground floor, the first floor and the second. There is a church, dungeons, monastery, parade ground, a Torre del Homenaje and another Torre de la Reina, a weapons room, a crypt and walls.
There are many activities offered by the castle: medieval tournaments, interpretive trails, a treasure map, re-enactment of the castle storming, and more.
Are offered audio guides in four languages (at 1 euros), there is a free parking, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria with a glazed terrace and an audiovisual room. Guided tours of the castle are offered all year round several times a day. They last more or less an hour and you can make the reservation online. The normal ticket costs 4 euros and with a guided tour 50 euros.
Naming only these few castles as the most beautiful castles in Spain It's a bit unfair, but the listings are that thankless. Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, Alarcon Castle, Peñafiel Castle, Olite Castle, Coca Castle, Alhambra in Granada, Lorca Castle, Belmonte Castle, have been left out for reasons of time and space. the Bellver, the Miravet and many more. Fiercer, tougher, more elegant, more luxurious. Spain has all kinds of castle so if your destination is this country on the Iberian Peninsula, trace your route well so as not to miss one.