Fuensaldaña Castle, Fuensaldaña, Spain

Fuensaldaña Castle construction started in the 13th century, but it is not until the 15th century that the structure acquires today's configuration. It was built by the Vivero family. The family became linked to the region's history when the future Catholic Monarchs got married in their castle.

Inside, the building was shaped as a 'U' around the cortyard, which today has been made into the parliament floor. During the Comunidades war, it was peacefully occupied by the comunero troops. The castle was the General Assembly of Castilla y León.

Inside the keep are four vaulted halls out of ashlar masonry. The keep, like the curtain walls, is also equipped with round towers at its corners, two nice turrets and battlements.

References:

Junta de Castilla y León

User Reviews

George Georgiadis (3 years ago)
Nice castle just a 15 minutes ride from Valladolid. Just a pity that the people there couldn't speak proper English.

Laurinda Lee (3 years ago)
Very nicely restaured castle, all the media and exhibition was very contemporany, went on a open doors weekend so it was quiet a busy day. A few nice books, pity we didn’t get to see them for in open doors day it’s really crowded! Very nice staff, helpfull and orienting visitors.

David Angulo Duque (3 years ago)
The castle has been recently opened, in February 2019. It was remodelled into a interpretation center of castles. The visit is a must because you will learn about Valladolid castles and the vivero's family which were the builders of this building.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Noémie 59

Historic Site of the week

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.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Fuensaldaña Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Historic Site of the week

Château d'Olhain

Looks like you are a history fan!