Peñafiel Castle, Spain

If you like your medieval castles intact, then Peñafiel has much to offer. Only guided tours are permitted, but no worries as you’ll see plenty. There’s also a wine museum built into the southern portion of the castle. It’s worth your time. The gift shop has a fine selection of hand blown glassware that is the epitome of class and style. So, let’s have a look at this fortress. Here’s the video:

Impressive, no? I’ll say. It’s hard to imagine someone taking a chance attacking castles like this. There are so may angles for the defenders to launch everything from stones to arrows to boiling oil. Nasty. Climbing those stairs was good exercise, too. There are a few more castle videos and photos essays to come. Stay tuned.

Published in: on May 30, 2010 at 12:44 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Lorca Castle, Spain, video

Lorca Castle stands guard over the nearby town of the same name in the region of Murcia in southern Spain. From up here it is possible to see for miles in every direction, and to enhance the experience, a platform with the cardinal directions of the compass has been built atop one of the towers. I made this video to show the general grounds and structure of the fortress.

For the price of admission you also get an audio guide, which is available in many languages. There are some actors about, playing the parts of knights as well as hosting children’s groups with stories of medieval life. The interpretation center is well done, with video and artifacts on display for your perusal. Of course their is a gift shop where you can buy that special postcard or trinket to send home to those not lucky enough to accompany you.

Buenas dias.

Published in: on May 10, 2010 at 11:27 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Alarcón, Spain, Fortifications

Alarcón, Spain, features a handsome set of fortifications. The town itself perches atop a tower of rock that rises above a winding river, making it an ideal place to built a castle. Take a look at the long view:

The main tower sits on the left side of the frame above. The watch tower to the right gives a great view into the next valley as wells as intersecting fire should someone have been stupid enough to approach from the area of that reservoir below. Note the walls that form a line about half way up the hill to the town. Panning slightly left, you’ll further see how isolated the town’s position is:

In the foreground left, stands another watch tower that guards the access road leading toward the town’s main gate. The people who fortified this town were serious about their mission. The main fort is now a paradore, welcoming visitors who wish to spend the night and enjoy a nice meal. I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there or dine. Let’s take a look at that building from the other side:

Those rain clouds passed while  I enjoyed a nice lunch. More about the food later. Check out the rainbow on the left. It was a nice touch for the photo. Before leaving, take a closer look at the road and the town’s main gate:

Alarcón isn’t the largest castle you’ll see in Spain. However, it does have all the features you come to expect from Spanish castle builders. Plus, you’re able to get up close to this piece of history.

Published in: on May 6, 2010 at 9:53 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,
Newer Entries »