We may not have as many castles in Spain as in Germany or France, but without a doubt the ones we do have (10,000 according to the Spanish Association of Friends of Castles, although it is estimated that there are close to 20,000) have nothing to envy those of these countries. On the contrary, in the Iberian Peninsula we can find many perfectly preserved and beautiful castles that deserve a visit.
Among the many to choose from, we choose these 7 castles that seem straight out of a story from Disney and that you cannot miss on your routes through Spain. Let’s see where they are and what charms each of them has.
1. Alcazar of Segovia
Majestically located on a rocky promontory, The Alcázar of Segovia is one of the most emblematic castles in Spain and even inspired Walt Disney to draw Snow White’s castle.
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Its origins date back to Roman timesalthough its current appearance reflects medieval Gothic and Mudejar influences. It was built as a fortress and later became royal palace, military academy and state prison. Dominating the confluence of two rivers (Eresma and Clamores), it remains a symbol of the historical power of Segovia.
2. Olite Castle
«A storybook palace and the first medieval wonder of Spain«, they say from Viajar Contigo. Located in Olite, a town famous for its lavender fieldsabout 42 km from Pamplona (Navarra), and built mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries, during the reign of Charles II, the Royal Palace of Olite is an impressive medieval fortress that was the seat of the kingdom of Navarra.
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It is famous for its fairytale appearancewith elegant towers and turrets, which combines defensive elements with Gothic and Renaissance details. Although it suffered some damage during the Carlist Wars of the 19th century, it was carefully restored and today represents the majesty of Navarre’s medieval heritage.
3. Frias Castle
Located on a rock in Frías, the smallest city in Spainthe castle of Frías (officially, castle of the dukes of Frías, and also called castle of the Velasco), stands imposingly above the Ebro river.
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Built in the 9th century and expanded in later centuries, served as a fortress and symbol of feudal power. It protected the strategic routes between Castile and the Basque Country. Its impressive keep stands out, on the edge of the cliff, which gives it a majestic appearance.
4. Xivert Castle
Located in Alcalà de Xivert (Castelló), is a fortress that reflects the rich history and cultural exchanges of the region. Originally built by Muslims in the 10th century, It was later expanded by the Knights Templar after the Christian conquest in the 13th century.
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Combines Islamic and medieval Christian architectural styleswith an irregular walled enclosure, towers and remains of rooms that served both military and residential purposes. Strategically located in the Sierra de Irta, it controlled the surrounding valleys and coast.
5. Peñíscola Castle
The Castle Palace of Peñíscola (also known as the Castle of Papa Luna), stands majestically on a rocky promontory on the shores of the Mediterranean and is one of the most emblematic coastal fortresses in Spain.
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It was built by the Knights Templar at the beginning of the 14th century on the ruins of an ancient Arab citadel and achieved worldwide fame when it became the residence of Pope Benedict XIII (known as Papa Luna).
His Romanesque-Gothic stylewith thick stone walls, vaults and imposing towers, reflects its dual function as a fortress and as a papal palace. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean and is, without a doubt, one of the most representative postcards of Peñíscola.
6. Colomares Castle
Colomares is a very particular castle due to its small size and its modernity, as it was built between 1987 and 1994. Doctor Esteban Martín y Martín, helped by two masons from Malaga, built this castle in Benalmádena (near Malaga) in honor of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
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Located on a hill overlooking the sea, the Colomares Castle also stands out for having the smallest church in the world (recognized in the Guiness Book), a 1.96 square meter chapel dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
7. Coca Castle
Located in the municipality of Coca, about 50 km northwest of Segovia, the Coca Castle It is one of the best examples of mudejar military architecture Spanish. It was built in the 15th century by order of the archbishop of Seville, Alonso de Fonseca, and combines the Gothic style with Arab decorative elements.
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It is in a excellent state of conservation and stands out for being built mainly with brick, with imposing red walls and towers with battlements, and for the deep pit that surrounds it. Inside it has vaulted rooms, a chapel and elaborate plaster work that shows Islamic artistic influence. To visit it you must make an appointment at least 48 hours in advance.