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:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.