Alburquerque was conquered from Moors by Ferdinand II of León in 1166. It changed hands couple of times before was finally in the hands of Christians in 1217. The castle was built in the late 13th century.
In the mid-15th century Álvaro de Luna, Master of the Order of St. James, built the famous keep. But that is not the only identifying mark on this castle as it has several palace-style out buildings, some outer defence resources in the barbican and a curious pentagonal tower, crowned battlements with sharp points ending in balls. Furthermore, the fortress is protected by three levels of walls scattered with small towers and several doors.
In the early 18th century the city was in the hands of Portuguese and several Vauban-style bastions were added to the complex.
References:The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.