Calatañazor Castle, Calatañazor, Spain

According to the legends, Al-Mansur (legendary Moorish leader) was defeated near Calatañazor Castle in a bloody battle against Christian troops in 1002. The fortress originally had two quadrangular towers on the corners and a keep. Later on, circular towers were added to the southern wall and semi-circular ones next to the main entrance. The current appearance dates mainly from the 14th century.

The castle is part of the walled village of Calatañazor but separated from it by a dry moat that was cut out of the rock. On the castle's irregular enclosure there are ruins of several towers and the keep, which is situated next to the entrance over the moat.

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User Reviews

Ana Carolina Pellicer (2 years ago)
Beautiful village, good food and AMAZING views!

Guido Storms (2 years ago)
Beautiful ancient city that is very well preserved. A must see when passing through or if you are staying in the area.

John De Luca (2 years ago)
Awesome, historical and traditional place. Fully recommended to stop by of you're in the region.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Noémie 59

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Château d'Olhain

The Château d'Olhain is probably the most famous castle of the Artois region. It is located in the middle of a lake which reflects its picturesque towers and curtain walls. It was also a major stronghold for the Artois in medieval times and testimony to the power of the Olhain family, first mentioned from the 12th century.

The existence of the castle was known early in the 13th century, but the present construction is largely the work of Jean de Nielles, who married Marie d’Olhain at the end of the 15th century.

The marriage of Alix Nielles to Jean de Berghes, Grand Veneur de France (master of hounds) to the King, meant the castle passed to this family, who kept it for more than 450 years. Once confiscated by Charles Quint, it suffered during the wars that ravaged the Artois. Besieged in 1641 by the French, it was partly demolished by the Spaniards in 1654, and finally blown-up and taken by the Dutch in 1710. Restored in 1830, it was abandoned after 1870, and sold by the last Prince of Berghes in 1900. There is also evidence that one of the castles occupants was related to Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan, the person Alexandre Dumas based his Three Musketeers charictor d'Artagnan on.

During the World War I and World War II, the castle was requisitioned first by French troops, then Canadian and British soldiers. The current owner has restored the castle to its former glory.

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