The first documents of Zalatambor Castle date back to 1024. This fort became known since the 13th century as the castle of Zalatambor, coinciding with the first fortifications made in the main rock.
In addition to the successive extensions and reforms of Zalatambor, the defense of the city was reinforced with the construction of a new castle, Belmecher, in 1276, and a tower as a defensive watchtower that, following the mountainous ridge, guarded the path of Castile. The three fortifications were joined by a wall forming the Estella castle enclosure, totally independent from the city.
Zalatambor Castle was a royal residence during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, with numerous rooms prepared for this purpose. However, since the mid-15th century the state of the castle, the result of the crisis caused by the civil war between Agramonteses and Beaumonteses, forced the monarchs to lodge during their stay in the noblest houses of the city.
In 1512 , the Beaumontesa-Castilian coalition conquered the castle, which, along with the rest of the kingdom, passed into Castilian hands. However, it continued in use until 1572, when the new defensive plan against France led to the construction of the citadel of Pamplona and the abandonment of the medieval Navarrese castles.
Its partial destruction was carried out by blowing up the main defensive elements. However, the current state of the castle is mainly due to its use as a quarry, documented in numerous lawsuits since its blasting.
References:Vufflens castle was built in 1425 on the site of a previous medieval castle by Henri de Colombier. It is the most significant example of a small group of fortified Romandy castles from the middle ages, characterised above all by its brick construction. In 1530, it was set on fire by Bernese troops. In 1641 it was acquired by the de Senarclens family. The castle is currently privately owned and cannot be visited.
A pleasant 30 minute-walk through the vineyards between Vufflens-le-Château and Denens, offers a stunning view of this magnificent castle, the lake and the Mont-Blanc.