Zalatambor Castle, Estella, Spain

The first documents of Zalatambor Castle date back to 1024. This fort became known since the 13th century as the castle of Zalatambor, coinciding with the first fortifications made in the main rock.

In addition to the successive extensions and reforms of Zalatambor, the defense of the city was reinforced with the construction of a new castle, Belmecher, in 1276, and a tower as a defensive watchtower that, following the mountainous ridge, guarded the path of Castile. The three fortifications were joined by a wall forming the Estella castle enclosure, totally independent from the city.

Zalatambor Castle was a royal residence during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, with numerous rooms prepared for this purpose. However, since the mid-15th century the state of the castle, the result of the crisis caused by the civil war between Agramonteses and Beaumonteses, forced the monarchs to lodge during their stay in the noblest houses of the city.

In 1512 , the Beaumontesa-Castilian coalition conquered the castle, which, along with the rest of the kingdom, passed into Castilian hands. However, it continued in use until 1572, when the new defensive plan against France led to the construction of the citadel of Pamplona and the abandonment of the medieval Navarrese castles.

Its partial destruction was carried out by blowing up the main defensive elements. However, the current state of the castle is mainly due to its use as a quarry, documented in numerous lawsuits since its blasting.

References:

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User Reviews

Valentina YOUNIS (4 years ago)
Highly recommended to go up and take a walk beautiful views

Luis Alberto Tomàs (4 years ago)
Interesting walk explained and good views

Sergio Gutierrez (4 years ago)
Historic place of Estella and Navarra ... Beautiful views of the city

Mónica Palomar (6 years ago)
We really liked the walk and seeing the ruins a bit but it would be very good if the city council took care of at least trying to restore a little the remains that are there ... it is seen that the stone has been falling and all that is very left.

David Migueliz (7 years ago)
Another of the mythical points of ESTELLA and NAVARRA. The ZALATAMBOR CASTLE is located just above the tunnel that is crossed when entering LIZARRA from the east. For a few years now, they have cleared the road and conditioned it. A must see when one passes through the city of the EGA.

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