Alluring and Beautiful Castles in Spain – Travel Diaries
Each year Spain is visited by more than 40 million tourists from different parts of the world. Spain has more than 2,500 castles, and deciding which ones to visit on your next trip to this country can be confusing. Here is a list of the best alluring and beautiful Castles in Spain where you can go to fulfill your fairytale dreams!
CASTILLO DE COCA
Castle of Coca or Castillo de Coca is considered to be one of the best castles in Spain. The castle is located in the city of Coca (The birthplace of Roman Emperor Theodosius) in the province of Segovia, which lies in flat and wooded lands of the center of Spain, in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Castle of Coca was built in the 15th century with the help of the powerful Archbishop of Seville Alonso de Fonseca I, who in 1453 received permission to King Henry IV of Castile on the construction of the castle. It is marked by it’s predominant Christian architecture, complete with an attractive exterior made entirely of brick. One of the biggest protection points of this castle was the 40-foot-deep moat, which you can glance upon on your next trip to Spain.
CASTILLO DE COLOMARES
This castle is one of my personal favorites. Dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Colombus, this castle was built near Benalmádena in Spain, between 1987 and 1994. The church inside this castle hold the Guinness World Record of being the smallest church in the whole world. The castle is a combination of Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar – the four significant signature architecture styles in Spain.
CASTILLO DE PONFERRADA
Ponferrada castle or castillo de Ponferrada, also goes by the name The Templar castle, was built in 1178 in the Spainsh province of León. Having a rich history attached to it’s name, the castle is now the property of the Spanish government who is looking after to control the deterioration of this antique castle. Built in the mountainous region of El Bierzo, the castle boasts some of the best mesmerizing views in Spain. You will truly feel like a medieval ruler looking down upon your kingdom from the high tower walls.
PALACIO REAL DE OLITE
Back in the day during the time of kings and queens, the Palacio Real De Olite was regarded as one of the most luxurious and grand castle across Europe. Ruled by Charles III ‘The Noble’, it was the seat of the court of the Kingdom of Navarre. There was a zoo with more than 100 different species of animals inside the castle walls! It is not in it’s full glory it used to be in older times, but still you should stop by this palace and glance at it’s tall towers and marvelous architecture.
ALCAZABA OF MALAGA
Alcazaba of Málaga, or ‘Citadel of Málaga,’ is the most well-preserved citadel in Spain. The entire castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the sea and can be seen from far away. This castle has several notable quirks – its courtyard, the Torre Del Christ; the Cuartos de Granada; and, to the side of the entrance, a Roman theater that dates back to the 1st century.
CASTILLO DE PEÑISCOLA
This main highlight of the small beach town near Valencia was the home of Pope Benedict XIII until his death in 1423, and since then, the castle has been restored several times. You can explore the castle in the afternoon, or tan in the sun at the beach. The castle is easily accessible all day as few tourists come here, so you can it all by yourself and feel like a king all day.
BURGALIMAR CASTLE
Located in Baños de la Encina, Burgalimar Castle is the second oldest castle in Europe and one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe. Dating back to 968, it’s a Moorish castle built on the order of caliph Al-Hakam I. The castle has passed through many ruling hands over the centuries and many wars have been fought over it. It’s main highlights are the original oval shape of its mortar walls, as well as its 14 towers.
ALHAMBRA
Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has influenced film, music, literature, art, and even video games throughout the world. The castle was created in a true Andalusian style, marked by its extraordinary architecture and captivating interior, with lush green trees being the gems surrounding this beaut. Built during the 13th century, the structure is an authentic Islamic castle and has been called ‘a pearl set among emeralds’.
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