Puebla de Sanabria

About

Perched high on a hill and protected by the confluence of the Tera and Castro rivers, this strategically positioned fortified has been the site of a great many battles throughout history. Even today, most of the defensive walls still stand, and its magnificent 15th century castle is the quintessential medieval defensive structure. 960 metres above the surrounding plain, it enormous keep stands several stories high and is protected by a retractable bridge. Nearby, the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Azogue dates from the late 12th century and contains a 13th-century carved font. Scattered throughout the town are many ancient ancestral homes and mansions, still decorated with their family crests, such as the 15th century City Hall.