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Belmonte Castle is a fortress that rises on the San Cristóbal hill, on the outskirts of the town of Belmonte, on the Don Quixote Route, southwest of the province of Cuenca; Belmonte Castle is one of the most emblematic castles in the history of Spain. Recently renovated, it is in a magnificent and beautiful condition, worth seeing.
It was built in the second half of the 15th century, by order of Don Juan Pacheco, first Marquis of Villena. In 1474, the date of Juan Pacheco's death, the works were not yet completed. His son, Diego López Pacheco, partially continued the work, without paying much attention, leaving various details such as the battlements to be finished.
Belmonte Castle was built as a fortress-palace, for defense and attack and, on the other hand, as a luxurious residence. Today it belongs to the Ducal House of Peñaranda.
The plan of the castle is very peculiar, called a "clamped structure", built on an equilateral triangle. The main enclosure is surrounded by a barrier of exquisite construction that defends the lower parts. This barrier has three doors.
Its palatial interior decorated with luxurious Mudejar ceilings in its halls and galleries, as well as its “medieval bestiary” sculpted in stone, are unparalleled in Spain and, without a doubt, make this castle one of the most representative in Spain.
Belmonte Castle has also appeared in several films such as El Cid, starring Charlton Heston and Sofía Loren, Los Señores del Acero, Juana la Loca and El Caballero Don Quijote.
In addition to having hosted this year the first world championship of Medieval Combat held in Spain. A show that deserved to be seen, in that unbeatable location.
Visiting Belmonte Castle gives us the fantastic possibility of transporting ourselves centuries and centuries back in time. In addition, the town of Belmonte has other monuments and places of tourist interest and exquisite gastronomy.
