Castle of Chinchilla

The Castle of Chinchilla is a medieval fortress featuring six corner towers and steep defensive walls arranged in a strategic layout. A surrounding moat once protected the entire structure from approaching threats, making it a fully fortified settlement.

This fortress was originally built during the Arab period and then substantially rebuilt in the 15th century under the direction of Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena. The rebuild transformed it into one of the region's most important defensive structures.

The castle walls display the coat of arms of the Marquis of Villena, marking the period when nobles shaped regional architecture through their authority. These carved symbols tell you about the power structures that existed in this part of Spain.

The grounds around the fortress are open to visitors for exploration, though interior spaces are currently undergoing restoration work. You can walk around the exterior and view the towers and walls from outside while preservation work continues.

In 1504, the fortress became a prison holding Cesare Borgia, the pope's notorious son, confined within one of its towers. This episode connects the local castle to one of the Renaissance's most intriguing and controversial figures.