Alconchel Castle is built in the site of Roman, Visigoth and Moorish fortifications. Today oldest parts date from the 12th century, when Alconchel was reoccupied by kings of Portuguese and León. The castle was altered in the late 14th century and 16th century for better protection against gunpowder weapons. Numerous battles between the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal took place here.
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.