Vimianzo Castle, Vimianzo, Spain

Vimianzo Castle construction began in the 13th century and was completed during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is in an excellent state of preservation. Its walls are surrounded by a moat over which a drawbridge is lowered. The building was constructed in a polygonal design with four towers and an arms courtyard. Its walls, almost two metres thick, withstood numerous attacks during the Irmandiñas (Brotherhoods) Wars. It was the object of fierce disputes between the Archbishop of Compostela and the Moscoso family, two of the greatest powers in Medieval Galicia.

For centuries it was the residence of the Counts of Altamira, until it was sold to the Martelo family. Finally it was passed into the hands of the A Coruña Provincial Government, which restored it and put it to public use.

In its interior we can visit a very interesting ethnographic museum, which contains examples of the craft specialities of the region, from stonework to baskets, as well as lace, ceramics, clogs and linen items, amongst others.

User Reviews

Federico Guillemi Diaz (12 months ago)
Loved it. Old castle repurposed as a small mall for typical handmade knitting. You can walk around the castle and go inside the rooms that are used by the small businesses

Venefica (2 years ago)
This is an awesome concept about how good can be to integrate de inmaterial and material heritage. The crafters who expose his work on the inside of the castle are so talented that i could had lost all my money on there. Mariví, the guide and responsable of the visibility of the castle, it's an amazing woman who share the information so passionately... I'm so glad to had the opportunity to visit this place i can't recommend it more!! Congrats for your amazing work and love!

קטי זק (3 years ago)
A really well preserved castle, stalls of interesting local crafts. free admission. Highly recommended

Matthew Loffman (3 years ago)
Fantastic place to see something of the local culture and crafts of the area. You can watch lace making too, which I find mesmerising!

Erez Peretz (3 years ago)
Been thereon Asalto de Castelo celebration. This is very local and really fun - the farmers dinner was awesome and delicious, all eaten by hands with non stop beers and wine. Don't miss!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Vimianzo Castle

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