The 10 Most Spectacular Castles in Spain

Spain is a country impregnated with natural, cultural and historical wealth. It has witnessed many wars, betrayal, love, conquest … Events that make our territory a unique place to visit each and every one of its corners.

Therefore, we present here some of the most impressive Castles in Spain, which will take you on a journey through the history of our country, emphasizing more in the curiosities and anecdotes that surround these enclaves.

1. Butrón, a Bavarian in Basque lands

If you are one of those who supported the villain in the movies, you can not miss this castle in Gatika, Vizcaya. Surrounded by a thick centennial forest, stands one of the most peculiar structures in the Castellar area. Much of its exoticism lies in the Bavarian inspiration of its exterior, rara avis where they are in the military architecture of Spain. But it was not always like this.This castle finds its origins in the Middle Ages when it was just a house-tower of the lineage of Butrón, noble family of Vizcaya. However, it was not until the nineteenth century that it acquired its current appearance, after a profound remodeling in the Germanic style, as betrays that fantastic air of its towers and finishes.

After a while operating as a hotel complex with medieval atmosphere, the castle closed and is currently for sale, a curious fact if you have a few million euros left over. Of course, you must commit to proper conservation, since this Bavarian giant is part of the Spanish Historical Heritage, and deserves to remain intact for many more years. If the castle of Butrón leaves you wanting more fantasy, try walking the Otzarreta Forest. .. if you dare.

2. The Alcázar, Admiral of Segovia

Crowning the city of Segovia, at the top of the highest hill, is one of the most distinctive castles-palaces in Spain and even in Europe. The explanation lies in its curious shape of the ship’s bow, although it is clear that it need no more reasons to be on this list.

It is more than likely that its construction was much earlier than its first documentation in the twelfth century, and since then it has been almost everything a good castle can be. In addition to being one of the favorite residences of the Castilian kings, especially Alfonso X, has also served as a state prison, artillery center, military academy and museum, a function that meets today.

There were several restorations and extensions from Alfonso X to Felipe II, and it is to this last one that we owe their current appearance, typical of a fairytale castle or, according to rumors, of princesses who lose their shoes. Be that as it may, from the Herrerian exterior to the Mudejar decoration of its interior, the Alcazar offers so many wonders that it is impossible not to visit it. If you want to see it from a unique perspective, we recommend you try the balloon rides on Segovia.

3. Almodóvar del Río, a garden on high

If you want to enjoy beautiful views, come to the Castillo de Almodóvar , in Córdoba. Its history begins long before being built, since it is located in an old Iberian-Turdetano settlement. It was the Berbers who built the first castle in 760, although it took a few centuries and the help of the architect Casanova to achieve the current look we like so much, with Muslim and Christian cultural brushstrokes.

The natural landscape that surrounds it is spectacular and rich, a place that can be seen from the castle because it is located on a hill, about 252 meters along the Guadalquivir River. The beauty of this castle is an opinion shared by the Lannister, or that evidenced some events of the penultimate season of Game of Thrones. The cast was amazed to see the perfect condition of the tower and its gardens.

Currently, you can enjoy at the altitude of wonderful views of the Guadalquivir River while you travel incredible adventures between walls of four meters thick. We recommend it!

4. Coca Castle, double height.

It is located on the outskirts of the town of Coca, Segovia, built on the meander of the Voltoya River. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic-Mudejar art. Impresses its palatial entrance, the peculiar acoustics of some areas of the castle, the great interior pit of 560 meters of perimeter, considered the best of Castile; as well as the elegance that comes from being built of bricks.

The set consists of two enclosures, one exterior with defensive function, and another interior with towers in the corners. Not only do we like it for its spectacular picture, but also to delve into its interior you will find a romantic love story, starring the Marquis de Cenete. This one finished scalding by the embers thrown from the battlements, when it tried a lady.

After visiting this impressive castle, there are many amazing activities you can do.

5. Loarre CASTLE, a challenge to gravity

At a thousand meters, in the Pyrenean mountain we find The castle of Loarre , Romanesque style, located in the province of Huesca (Aragon) . If you think of a military castle, Loarre meets all the requirements of what is a Spanish military castle.

It sits on a rock promontory. This supposed a great defensive advantage, since it was difficult to accede to him, without being seen from some part of the castle. In addition, it is surrounded by a wall of sloping towers protecting lands that, in previous centuries, were cultivated by Muslims.

If the earth could speak and tell all that has happened about it, we would be stunned. Historians say that, from its beginnings to the present, the castle hides many secrets inside, stories of romance, business, until they buried the greatest traitor in the history of Spain, Rodrigo Rey Visigoth between the years 710 and 711. A the entrance of the church so that all trampling their remains for having opened the doors of the Peninsula to the Muslims. Incredible right?

6. Olite Castle, the beautiful palace

It is a construction of court and military character built during the XIII and XIV centuries, by Carlos III, in the town of Olite, Navarra.

If you like medieval art, this palace will enchant you. It is considered one of the most luxurious medieval castles in Europe. There is no king who has a palace a more beautiful castle of golden rooms, where it is not difficult to move to the medieval.

Its majestic profile and the elegance of the disorder of its design is due to the fact that its construction was never faced as a «whole» project, which has meant that its original style is not preserved.

Olite, a small town that at sunset gives off stunning views of the silhouette of the palace, ideal for taking pictures and letting ourselves go. The biodiversity of this province is immense and we recommend you to continue enjoying it with a birdwatching in the Irati Forest and the Huesca Pyrenees .

7. Castle of Ponferrada, TEMPLAR BASTION.

It is situated on a hill between the rivers Boeza and Sil, in Ponferrada (Province of León). With a curious irregular polygon shape, there are two distinct parts: the northern part, from the 12th century, and the rest, built during the 15th century. Outside, in memory of that time, today there is a huge red tau made with flowers decorates the gardens at the foot of the castle, next to the Tower of Moclín and, in a state already worn by the passage of time , there are heraldic emblems of the Catholic Kings in the towers.

In past times the castle was surrounded by a moat, except in the northwestern part, where the river fulfilled that same function. Inside there is a group of fortifications of Templar origin. access to a patio, to which they open the elliptical tower with double and triple defenses forming barbacanas, towers, rooms and a large patio under or albacar.

Before entering the courtyard there is a defensive enclosure that leads to the Cabrera tower, connected to the first defensive line of the semicircular tower, destined to dungeons and communication with the second line of defense.

At the end of the visit of this wonderful polygonal castle, you just want to enjoy a little more of this wonderful province of León.

8. Manzanares Castle, the royal

It is a palace-fortress of medieval origin that is located in Madrid. At the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama and next to the Manzanares river.

Built in the fifteenth century on a Romanesque-Mudejar church, which was integrated into the structure. The architect Juan Guas participated in its construction, who used Elizabethan Gothic traces, with Hispano-Muslim influences.
Conceived as a key work of the Spanish Renaissance architecture and whose utility was not defense but an eagerness to transmit an image of wealth and power so that in its interior it conserves great works of art, collection of tapestries, paintings, armors and furniture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries.

This castle throughout the year changes its appeal. In summer, for example, they light it at night and make changing light games. It is not a bad idea to visit it at each station, we are sure that after seeing it for the first time, you will want to return.

9. Bellver Castle, beautiful circular view

Bellver Castle is a Mallorcan Gothic style fortification of Jaime II of Mallorca. It is located about three kilometers from the city of Palma de Mallorca. On a hill 112 meters above sea level, climbing the mountain to show the spectacular views of the Bay of Palma, the city and the Sierra de Tramuntana.

It is one of the few castles of all Europe with a peculiar design of ecru color, standing out among the green of the forests that surround it its circular silhouette. It is the oldest monument in the cylindrical style. It combines palatial needs with defensive elements flourishing a cultural and artistic richness. This castle has become a prison, but also a sacred place where the person greatest responsible for the fortress swore allegiance and obedience to his king, sacrificing his life, if necessary to defend the castle.

It is in the heart of the castle where all its grandeur and exquisiteness live with elegant and refined finishes.

One of the wonders that this castle hides is The Chapel of San Marcos, but Mallorca keeps many more that you can not miss as Illes Malgrats with a fascinating underwater fauna that you can enjoy in this snorkeling activity .

10. Mota CASTLE, only for the brave

Cemented on an elevation of the land, located in the town of Medina del Campo, Valladolid. It was built with the characteristic red brick characteristic of the area. The Thousands of bricks that contain innumerable legends, adventures and immense stories whose protagonist is Isabel the Catholic who spent her last days in this peculiar castle.

On the facade you will be very struck by the fact that the impacts of the wars that you have managed to survive are still preserved, and that you are in perfect condition. In addition to the impacts, the tower and the walls of the castle are full of other types of holes called mechinales that were used to install the scaffolding for the reconstruction tasks. The Castle has three well differentiated areas: the lobby, the Parade and the Tower of Tribute, only prepared to be visited by adventurous people, since the stairs give vertigo and access to it, it is only for the brave.

If you like history and want to know the heritage that Isabel the Catholic gave to this beautiful place, you can continue to know the Isabel la Católica’s route .

These and many more castles await you throughout the country. From Nattule we invite you to stop for a few seconds and listen to the incredible stories that emanate from the bricks of these beautiful castles. We want you to live it like you’ve never done it before. You dare? Tell us your experience in the comments.