Monterrei Castle

About

Originally built in the 12th century by Alfonso Henríquez, the castle was updated and expanded over the centuries. In the 16th century it was used by King Philip the Handsome for a meeting with Cardinal Cisneros. When approaching this hilltop castle, its two towers create a striking silhouette. The ‘Ladies’ Tower dates from the 14th century, while the keep was built by Sancho Sánchez de Ulloa in 1482. The fortress grounds were once home to convents, a hospital and an entire village, which was abandoned in the 19th century. While the castle is a parador hotel, they’ll often give tours of the grounds, and even open the finely sculpted portal to the 13th century church.