Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Spain

Alcazar of the Christian Kings is located in Cordoba. It sits next to the Guadalquivir River in the Old Town. The construction of the palace began with the orders of Alfonso XI in 1326, and it was right there where the Christian kings, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, received Christopher Columbus before his journey. The palace has a Mudejar architectural style and beautiful gardens.

Alcazar of Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle inspired the Disney castle in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Originally built as a fortress, it has served various purposes, including as a royal palace and a military academy. The building of the castle started in 1122, and over 22 kings and queens once lived here. Alcazar is part of the city of Segovia. It was built in the Mudejar, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.

Alcazar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in the 10th century and consists of several palaces. Among the highlights is the mix of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The upper level of the castle remains a residence for the Spanish royal family.

Alhambra is also known as Castillo Rojo, or the Red Castle. It is a complex of palaces, fortresses, and gardens. The castle is located in Granada and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in the mid-13th century, it served as a royal palace and military fortress.

Among the highlights are the Generalife Gardens, which are an amazing example of Moorish gardens.

Bellver Castle is located on Mallorca Island. It was commissioned by the King of Majorca, Jaume II in 1300. It was built in the Gothic style with a central courtyard on two levels.The ground floor has semicircular arches and flat roofs, and the upper one has Gothic arches and the ribbed vault. The castle houses the Museum of the History of the City of Palma. From the castle visitors can get panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the sea.

Castle of Colomares is located in Benalmadena, Spain. It was built in 1987 by Dr. Esteban Martin Martin as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. The castle is a mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. Castle of Colomares is also home to a small chapel and a museum.

Coca Castle/Castillo de Coca is a fortress located north of Segovia. It was built in the Gothic and Mudejar styles. The bishop of Seville, Alonso Fonseca, ordered its construction in the 15th century for his residence.

Gaudi Palace (pictured above) in Astorga is an episcopal palace. It was commissioned by Bishop Gran of Astorga, and the building of the palace took five years. After the bishop died, the project was finished in 1913. The palace showcases a blend of Gothic and Modernism styles and features pointed arches, turrets, and intricate stonework, creating a fairy-tale appearance. Today, the palace houses the Museo de los Caminos, which focuses on the history of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Palace of the Aljafería is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Zaragoza. It is among the best examples of Spanish Muslim architecture.The palace showcases a blend of Islamic, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. The oldest construction within the palace is the Tower of El Trovador, built as a watchtower. It has five floors and is surrounded by a moat.

Penafiel Castle is located in Valladolid and dates back to the 10th century. This fortress was ordered by King John II of Castile. It has a boat-like appearance and has been nicknamed “The Ship of Castile.” Penafiel Castle is home to the Provincial Wine Museum, which showcases the region’s viticulture.

Royal Palace of Madrid is among the most visited landmarks in the capital. The palace is located in the area called Madrid de los Austrias. It is bigger than Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles. The palace is the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. The Royal Palace has over 3418 rooms.

There are also two gardens: the Sabatini and the Campo de Moro.