Alcázar de Toro, Toro, Spain

Although the origins of Alcázar de Toro castle date back to the 10th century, its current construction dates from the 15th century. Witness of important historical events, the Alcazar de Toro is one of the main buildings of the city.

After the división of León and Castile in the mid-12th century, Toro remained in the kingdom of León. In 1199 Alfonso 9th married Doña Berenguela and between 1188 and 1195 he started the construction of the castle and the walls. Sancho IV donated Toro its fortress to his wife, María de Molina, in 1283, and she rebuilt the old castle giving it the present structure. In the mid-19th century the castle was in ruins, having been used mostly to store gunpowder.

References:

Junta de Castilla y León

User Reviews

Jordi Corbella (3 years ago)
Historic

Miguel Angel Moncholi (mmoncholi) (3 years ago)
A short distance away is this 15th-century castle, an example of civic-military construction for the defense of the city. From the left side beautiful views of the plain can be admired. Outside you can also enjoy a boar (it is the Toro de Piedra), a symbol of pre-Hispania, typical of Castile and a representation of the bull. Inside is the tourist office and cultural stays. It is worth the visit.

elen murmar (3 years ago)
Good people and good wines

Toni Lopez Perez (3 years ago)
The Alcazar... a wonder but like everything in Toro, Collegiate Church, convents, churches, all beautiful. Magnificent views, excellent food. I never miss the Medieval Fair. And what about wine, torreznos, churros or a snack by the river. Pure history!

As S (4 years ago)
Fantastic views and only steps away from some of the best hidden places to get wine this castle is part of what makes Toro so much fun.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Alcázar de Toro

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus