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Castles of Northern Spain

FEATURE (Category: Europe | Spain | summer | scenic drives | cultural-historical)...............................REGISTER for LIGHTBOX

Castles of Northern Spain
Roaming the mesetas of Northern Spain feels like sailing the open sea. Wide spaces of yellow grain and limestone, from which occasionally a stone ship emerges. An isolated hill or narrow ledge crowned by a crenellated wall, a keep and a few towers. It is an armada that has been blown apart by a storm centuries ago. Now its petrified remnants punctuate an empty, scintillating landscape.

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  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28534] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. It has the layout of a Moorish alcazaba: an extensive walled precinct with few buildings. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with its four high towers, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Behind it, on the top of the hill, stands the so-called Tower of Aragon, which served as a kind of watchtower but is a castle in itself. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28534] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. It has the layout of a Moorish alcazaba: an extensive walled precinct with few buildings. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with its four high towers, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Behind it, on the top of the hill, stands the so-called Tower of Aragon, which served as a kind of watchtower but is a castle in itself. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28536] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. It has the layout of a Moorish alcazaba: an extensive walled precinct with few buildings. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with its four high towers, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Behind it, on the top of the hill, stands the so-called Tower of Aragon, which served as a kind of watchtower but is a castle in itself. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28536] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. It has the layout of a Moorish alcazaba: an extensive walled precinct with few buildings. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with its four high towers, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Behind it, on the top of the hill, stands the so-called Tower of Aragon, which served as a kind of watchtower but is a castle in itself. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28539] ’Castle towers of Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28539] ’Castle towers of Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28541] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28541] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28543] ’Cardinal in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, a street performer poses as a medieval cardinal wearing a red galero: a large, broad-brimmed hat with 15 tassels on each side. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28543] ’Cardinal in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, a street performer poses as a medieval cardinal wearing a red galero: a large, broad-brimmed hat with 15 tassels on each side. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28545] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28545] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28547] ’Coats of arms of Sigüenza.’ On the Plazuela de la Carcel in Sigüenza a facade shows the coats of arms of this small town in Guadalajara province. It is composed of the three towered castle of the Kingdom of Castile and a crowned eagle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28547] ’Coats of arms of Sigüenza.’ On the Plazuela de la Carcel in Sigüenza a facade shows the coats of arms of this small town in Guadalajara province. It is composed of the three towered castle of the Kingdom of Castile and a crowned eagle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28549] ’Castle of Sigüenza.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28549] ’Castle of Sigüenza.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28551] ’Castle of Guijosa.’ The village of Guijosa, northeast of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) boasts a small castle that was built in the 14th century. It consists of a central keep surrounded by a rectangular walled courtyard. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28551] ’Castle of Guijosa.’ The village of Guijosa, northeast of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) boasts a small castle that was built in the 14th century. It consists of a central keep surrounded by a rectangular walled courtyard. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28553] ’Jadraque, the Castle of El Cid.’ The original Jadraque Castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century on a steep hillock overlooking the valley of the Henares river in Guadalajara province. The castle is also known as "the Castle of El Cid" as tradition has it that it was conquered by El Cid, the Castilian knight and national Spanish hero who fought against the Moors. If this really happened is unknown but it was taken by Christians forces in the 11th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28553] ’Jadraque, the Castle of El Cid.’ The original Jadraque Castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century on a steep hillock overlooking the valley of the Henares river in Guadalajara province. The castle is also known as "the Castle of El Cid" as tradition has it that it was conquered by El Cid, the Castilian knight and national Spanish hero who fought against the Moors. If this really happened is unknown but it was taken by Christians forces in the 11th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28555] ’Zafra Castle seen from the west.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province) and gives the impression of a ship that was thrown on a remote shore during a storm. The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28555] ’Zafra Castle seen from the west.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province) and gives the impression of a ship that was thrown on a remote shore during a storm. The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28557] ’Zafra Castle seen from below.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28557] ’Zafra Castle seen from below.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28559] ’Zafra Castle in early morning sun.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province) and gives the impression of a ship that was thrown on a remote shore during a storm. The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28559] ’Zafra Castle in early morning sun.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province) and gives the impression of a ship that was thrown on a remote shore during a storm. The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28535] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28535] ’Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28537] ’Castle towers of Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28537] ’Castle towers of Molina de Aragon.’ The castle of Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara province) was founded by the Moors in the 10th century. Molina was conquered by the king of Aragon in 1129 and was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th century. The actual castle, with the high towers we see in this picture, was built into a corner of the alcazaba precinct. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28540] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28540] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28542] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28542] ’Medieval musicians in Sigüenza.’ Street performers play medieval music on the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province which is dominated by an austere medieval castle. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28544] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28544] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28546] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28546] ’Medieval characters in Sigüenza.’ On the market square of Sigüenza, a small town in Guadalajara province, street performers portray characters from medieval society: a flute-player, a mistrusting nobleman and a lice infested jester. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28548] ’Sigüenza and its castle.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28548] ’Sigüenza and its castle.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28550] ’Castle of Sigüenza.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28550] ’Castle of Sigüenza.’ The original castle of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) was built in the 5th century near a Roman settlement and strengthened by the Moors in the 8th. Reconquered by Christian armies in 1124 it became a bishop's palace and received its final fortress-like form in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was severely damaged in the Civil War and after restoration in the 1970s was converted into a parador (hotel). Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28552] ’Castle of Guijosa.’ The village of Guijosa, northeast of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) boasts a small castle that was built in the 14th century. It consists of a central keep surrounded by a rectangular walled courtyard. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28552] ’Castle of Guijosa.’ The village of Guijosa, northeast of Sigüenza (Guadalajara province) boasts a small castle that was built in the 14th century. It consists of a central keep surrounded by a rectangular walled courtyard. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28554] ’Jadraque, the Castle of El Cid.’ The original Jadraque Castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century on a steep hillock overlooking the valley of the Henares river in Guadalajara province. The castle is also known as "the Castle of El Cid" as tradition has it that it was conquered by El Cid, the Castilian knight and national Spanish hero who fought against the Moors. If this really happened is unknown but it was taken by Christians forces in the 11th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28554] ’Jadraque, the Castle of El Cid.’ The original Jadraque Castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century on a steep hillock overlooking the valley of the Henares river in Guadalajara province. The castle is also known as "the Castle of El Cid" as tradition has it that it was conquered by El Cid, the Castilian knight and national Spanish hero who fought against the Moors. If this really happened is unknown but it was taken by Christians forces in the 11th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28556] ’Zafra Castle seen from the west.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28556] ’Zafra Castle seen from the west.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

  • [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28558] ’Zafra Castle in late evening sun.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

    [SPAIN.CMANCHA 28558] ’Zafra Castle in late evening sun.’ Zafra Castle sits atop an outcrop of red sandstone on the southern slope of the Caldereros mountain range (Guadalajara province). The nearest village is Campillo de Dueñas and lies 5 km to the north. The first castle at this site was built by the Moors and was taken by Christians forces around 1129. The castle we see today was constructed around the beginning of the 13th century. Photo Mick Palarczyk.

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