Here’s just a few snapshots from Peñafiel Castle. I had been there several years ago, took the door, and checked out the wine museum. All very interesting. Here’s a look at the main gate:
And just for fun, here’s a view over the nearby countryside.
Fields and vineyards for as far as the eye can see. It really is beautiful. Then again, most all of Spain is. Take your time to enjoy it all.
East of Segovia, you’ll find the tiny town of Torégano and one of the most unusual castles I’ve seen in Spain.
From the photo above, you may be thinking it’s just another pile of rocks left over from another age. In some ways it is. The original fortress was built around the Tenth Century. Over the years it was expanded and modified.
You can see how the outer wards were expanded and a larger keep installed, rising to several stories. However, what makes this site most curious is the construction of a large church within the center.
The church spans the entire center courtyard, and when it was built, the older columns were simply covered over and incorporated into the newer structure. From the upper keep, you can see the roof of the church and the countryside beyond.
What a view! The tiles on that roof are showing their age, and the floor that used to be located here is gone. But the window seats by the arrow ports are still in place within the span of the wall. There’s a story behind the church being built within this castle. It’s a long one, like so many about Spain, so I’ll skip it for this blog post. Nonetheless, take a final look at the keep from the outside.
Imposing is the right word. If you happen to visit this town, don’t forget La Casa Vieja, a fine restaurant and inn where you’ll have a great meal and peaceful rest. See an earlier post on that subject.
Is there a hilltop in Spain without a castle? Very few. Trujillo’s Castle dominates the town with its battlements looking out over every quarter. You are permitted to walk the walls, which is well worth it. Don’t forget to stop into the chapel, too. You’ll see them both in the following video.
I most enjoyed those expansive views out over the countryside. No army was going to sneak up on this town. Judging by the size of the outer wards, the place was well-prepared to wait out a siege, too. Bring your catapults!
Coca Castle stands out from the other castles I saw during this visit to Spain because it is made almost entirely of brick. The others were cut stone. Coca, however, towers above the town and surrounding plain, showing its red brick to all comers. Currently there is a forestry school located within the castle, putting it to good use now that its military purpose is obsolete. You’ll also find artifacts at various locations as you pass through the interior of the structure. Have a look at the video.
Those dry moats are imposing, aren’t they? The town of Coca is adjacent to the castle. Here you’ll find an opportunity for some light refreshment before continuing your journey.
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