Between mountains, plains and cliffs facing the sea, the castles of Spain They are part of the landscape and memory of the country. From north to south, more than 10,000 medieval fortresses and palaces They resist the passage of time and reveal the traces of Romans, Arabs, kings and Templars.
Some dominate entire valleys, others crown stone towns, and there is no shortage of those that inspired fantasy stories. Its architecture mixes Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance styles.in buildings that were both military bastions and royal residences.
Among all of themthere are seven fortresses that stand out for their beauty and conservation, true postcards that seem straight out of a movie.
Alcázar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Disney
Standing on a rocky promontory between the Eresma and Clamores rivers, the Alcazar of Segovia It is one of the most recognizable monuments in Spain. Its silhouette inspired Walt Disney to create Snow White’s castle.
Of Roman origin and rebuilt during the Middle Ages, it combines Gothic and Mudejar influences. It was a fortress, royal palace and military headquarters, and today it offers one of the most spectacular views of the Segovian valley. Its pointed towers, its decorated halls and its history make it a symbol of Spanish heritage.
Olite Castle, the medieval jewel of Navarra
A 40 kilometers from Pamplona stands the Olite Castle, former seat of the kings of Navarra. Its structure, a mix of fortress and palace, stands out for its towers, balconies and passageways that evoke knight’s tales.
Alcázar of Segovia: the castle that inspired Disney.Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it combines Gothic and Renaissance details. Although it was damaged during the Carlist Wars, its restoration allowed it to recover much of its original splendor. From its walls you can see the town of You weresurrounded by lavender fields and vineyards.
Frías Castle, the fortress over the abyss
On top of a cliff above the Ebro river is the Castillo de Frías, one of the most imposing fortresses in the north of Spain. Its origin dates back to the 9th century, and its function was to protect the strategic routes between Castilla and the the Basque Country.
Its keep, located on the edge of the precipice, dominates the landscape and reinforces its appearance as an impregnable fortress. The complex preserves remains of walls, patios and rooms that allow us to imagine feudal life inside.
Xivert Castle, the Templar legacy on the coast of Castellón
Between the sea and the mountains, Xivert Castle, in Alcalà de Xivert, is one of the most representative of Templar architecture.
Built by Muslims in the 10th century and expanded by Christians in the 13th, it preserves its irregular layout, with towers and walled enclosures that reflect the mix of cultures.
From its ruins you can get unique panoramic views of the Sierra de Irta and the Mediterranean. It is a perfect example of how the Templars adapted Islamic fortifications to the needs of the Reconquista.
Peñíscola Castle, the palace on the sea
He Peñíscola Castleknown as Papa Luna Castle, rises on a rock surrounded by the Mediterranean. It was built by the Knights Templar at the beginning of the 14th century, and centuries later it was the residence of the pope. Benedict XIII.
Seven castles in Spain that look like something out of a movie.Its interior, in Romanesque-Gothic style, combines stone walls, vaults and towers that still preserve Templar emblems. From the top, the views of the sea and the old town of Peniscola They are unmatched. It is, without a doubt, one of the most photogenic fortresses of Spain.
Colomares Castle, the tribute to Christopher Columbus
In Benalmadena (Malaga), the Colomares Castle It surprises with its small size and modern design. Was Built between 1987 and 1994 by Dr. Esteban Martín y Martín in honor of Christopher Columbus and to the discovery of America.
Its style is a fusion of Gothic, Romanesque and Mudejar, with a chapel of just two square meters considered the smallest church in the world. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, it has become a tourist symbol and an artistic tribute to Spanish naval history.
Coca Castle, the brick fortress
About 50 kilometers from Segovia rises Coca Castleone of the masterpieces of Mudejar art. Built in the 15th century by order of the Archbishop of Seville, Alonso de Fonseca, it combines Gothic elegance with Arabic ornamentation.
Its red brick structure, the crenellated towers and the deep moat that surrounds it make it unmistakable. Inside, there are vaulted halls and a chapel decorated with fine plasterwork. It is perfectly preserved and can be visited by appointment.
