Peñafiel Castle, Peñafiel, Spain

Construction works for Peñafiel Castle commenced in the 10th century, although the contemporary structure underwent major interventions during the 14th and 15th centuries. This medieval fortress was declared a National Monument in 1917 and currently stands as a veritable emblem of wine tourism in Ribera del Duero.

Peñafiel and its castle were key defensive locations along river Duero, both for Christians and Muslims in the 9th and 10thcenturies. Sitting atop the hill, the castle controlled the valleys of rivers Duero, Duratón and Botijas, and protected the population.

References:

turismopenafiel.com

User Reviews

evangelia stavrianakou (12 months ago)
Amazing experience! We visited the castle and the wine museum and we also went to a wine tasting session (all that for less than 10 euros per person). Everything was so interesting and very well organised. The tour guide that was showing us the castle and the lady who organised the wine tasting were both great professionals and very kind!

Pitiflauticus Yomismo (2 years ago)
Spectacular castle and views of the town, truly impressive. However you cannot visit the castle on your own, you can only visit it as part of a guided tour. Removing two stars because if this

Eduardo Ramirez (2 years ago)
Beatiful castle on top of the hill in Peñafiel, located 56 km from valladolid, Spain. One of the 4 castles but the best conserved.

Drew B (2 years ago)
We took the Spanish tour which was tough because we don't speak Spanish, but we were still able to learn a lot. Based on the laughter of those who could speak Spanish, the tour guide was funny. Here are my notes: a long time ago in a land far away a castle was built on a hill. It was stone and boat shaped. Definitely recommend!

Larry Wilson (3 years ago)
The castle is beautiful. However, you have to be with a tour (which is only given in Spanish) wish it was in English or other languages. You have limited access and can't explore on your own. The views are spectacular and fantastic photos are everywhere.

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The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

The remains of the central tower are up to 3.6 metres high, and the stone walls are up to 4.1 metres thick. The tower was likely inhabited by the principal family or clan of the area but also served as a last resort for the village in case of an attack.

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Pieces of a Roman amphora dating to before 60 AD were found here, lending weight to the record that a 'King of Orkney' submitted to Emperor Claudius at Colchester in 43 AD.

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In the 9th century, a Norse woman was buried at the site in a stone-lined grave with two bronze brooches and a sickle and knife made from iron. Other finds suggest that Norse men were buried here too.

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