Alo~ It's Spain!!~ "Beautiful Castles"

5 Most Beautiful Castles in Spain

Okay.. lets start our castles tour in Spain dear readers... >.<

For the most part, Spanish castles weren't built to be pretty, though there are a couple of exceptions. They are solid, serious and scary. They were designed to withstand sieges from everyone from Moorish invaders to the king in the next province. Sometimes royalty lived in them for brief periods, but more often their residents were political prisoners of the reigning ruler. To visit the castles in Spain is to understand medieval military might. 

1. Alhambra

Travelers who have time to visit only one castle in Spain should make it the Alhambra in Granada. It is by far the most well-known structure in Spain. There is nothing quite like it that compares to this ancient fortress, with a name that translates as ‘Red Castle” in Arabic. The architectural details are stunning and intricate, and represent the influence of the Moors who inhabited it for several centuries.

2. Alcázar of Segovia

The Alcazar of Segovia doesn't fit the mold of most castles in Spain, which were constructed as fortresses. This castle fits the fairy-tale mold of European castles and is reported to be the inspiration for the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. The castle sits on a hill and gives visitors the impression it is like a ship sailing toward them. Royalty lived here, including Isabella I who was crowned here in 1474. The castle is a museum today with paintings and an armory. 

3. Olite Castle

Trip to Olite Castle is to experience a different royalty culture in Spain, that of the kingdom of Navarre in the northern part of the country. Also known as the Palacio Real de Olite, the castle was built on first century Roman ruins, though the castle’s construction did not take place until several centuries later. Various monarchs added to it over the years, using a variety of architectural styles, with towers, courtyards and gardens. The castle fell into disrepair, though the Spanish government has been restoring it since 1937.

4. Penafiel Castle

As castles go, Peñafiel Castle is long, about 150 meters (490 feet), as it sits on a hill in the town of Peñafiel in Valladolid Province. Some say its long lines resemble a ship, with a keep that is nearly 30 meters (100 feet) high. This fortress, constructed between the ninth and 15th centuries, evokes an imposing presence when lit up at night. Today, one wing of Peñafiel Castle houses a wine museum; the other wing can only be viewed on guided tours.

5. Alcazaba of Almeria

Located in southern Spain, the Alcazaba of Almeria is a fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the city of Almeria. The word “alcazaba” derives from an Arabic word that means “walled fortification, and this is what the Alcazaba of Almeria is. Houses and shops could be found inside the structure. Initially built by Muslims in the 10th century, it was added on to by the Catholics in later years. Moviegoers may find portions of the alcazaba look familiar, especially if they’ve seen Conan the Barbarian or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

That all!! Have a nice trips guys!!~ ^_^v