Sandiás Castle

Sandiás, Spain

Probably built in the first half of the 12th century (although some legends say it was built in the 9th century), Sandiás Castle was located over a castrum (Celtic settlement). It participated in the Portugal secession wars (12th century). In 1386 it was assaulted by the duke of Lancaster, pretender to the Castile crown. In the 15th century it was demolished by a popular riot, and rebuilt later. It was a meeting point for troops in the wars with Portugal in the 18th century. There are many legends about this castle.

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Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

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4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Scenuk (5 months ago)
Living history of the towers that controlled the Antela lagoon
Brendan Ryan (2 years ago)
Google translate is getting the translation wrong: the tower has nothing to do with watermelons. It's Sandiás and NOT Sandías ? it's also called Torre de Castro.
Jorge Fernandez (2 years ago)
Good to know how it is built, it is missing half as you can see. It was therefore a very flat area of ​​vast extension. However, a small hill rises 681 m, 65 m higher than the height of Lagoa de Antela.
J L Rodríguez (2 years ago)
Torre do Castro or Watermelon Tower. Its construction began around the 11th or 12th centuries with the aim of monitoring Lagoa de Antela. For this reason three more towers were built, that of Pena da Portela, Porqueira and Celme. It rises on a small hill of 681m. Its construction began around the 11th or 12th centuries with the aim of monitoring Lagoa de Antela. Today only part of the half-destroyed tower is preserved, where you can see its thick walls and its defensive character. The area is full of remains and you can see the projections made in the rock to support the thick ashlar walls that defended the fortress. It also had a basement, 3 floors and an upper terrace. Today only part of the keep remains where you can admire the walls almost four meters thick. From this mound you can see great panoramic views of the expanse that formed the dried-up Lagoa de Antela. Access from the parking lot is steep and slippery due to the gravel. It is free, can be visited 24 hours a day, outdoors and has good access by car to just a few meters from the tower. It is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, limited parking for a couple or three cars.
Modesto Pascual Pascual (4 years ago)
It still preserves 2 of the enormous walls that give an idea of ​​its strength. The enclave is idyllic. Very accessible. There is only a 1m stretch that you have to be careful when passing.
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