Peñafiel Castle

Zarza la Mayor, Spain

Peñafiel Castle was built after 1212 after it the area was conquered by King Alfonso IX. There was a Moorish fort before. The remains of the 16th century fortress can still be seen, as well as the keep, which has been preserved as the main and most majestic element. It also has two defensive perimeters.

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Address

Zarza la Mayor, Spain
See all sites in Zarza la Mayor

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

More Information

www.turismoextremadura.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

B Martinez (17 months ago)
Place with a lot of history. The last section is not well marked. What remains of the castle and its walls is in serious danger of collapse, especially the tower. Also if you go with children you have to be careful with the part that faces the cliff because the fall is more than important. Urgent action is necessary for its restoration and enhancement.
Jesus maria diaz gat Jesus Maria (19 months ago)
From the Conceja fountain in Zarza the Mayor, great walk in a rural environment. 8 km round trip.
Lety Pérez Antón. (3 years ago)
Quite a bit is preserved due to the place where it is despite its abandonment. There are also beautiful views of the Eljas river and the vultures' nests (I think they were that). If you like hiking, it's about 4km and a bit from the town and the route is of low difficulty, the car also reaches the farm but leaving it next to the first gate (and it only fits 1)
Alfonso Pastor (3 years ago)
Nice walk from Zarza and spectacular the castle and the views of the Erjas River from the hillside. Pity the neglected state of the castle. Being so far away has saved it from plundering, but has left it abandoned. Dozens of vultures and other birds accompany you while you enjoy the views.
Ruben A. Monzon (5 years ago)
Castillo Templario de Peñafiel, Zarza la Mayor, Cáceres, Extremadura - This fortress was built by Muslims under the name of Racha-Rachel, and later renamed by Christians as Peñafiel Castle, as it is known today. The first remains of this castle belong to the ninth century, when the Berbers built a watchtower over the border territory. It is one of the most emblematic symbols of the municipality of Zarza la Mayor and gives its name to the hiking route that reaches it and then goes to Portuguese lands. Its walls have lived through the centuries diverse battles such as those fought by Christians against Muslims or Spaniards against Portuguese. After his reconquest by Alfonso IX, the castle was handed over to the Order of the Temple but the inhabitants of Zarza la Mayor had a lot to do with the Knights Templar since they were placed under his orders to avoid the prey of the Knights of the Order from Alcantara, taking refuge in Peñafiel. After the dissolution of the Templars, the castle was ceded as property of the Order of Alcantara.
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