Castle of Simancas, Medieval fortress and national archive in Simancas, Spain.
The Castle of Simancas is a stone fortification with thick walls, tall towers, and a surrounding moat that once defended Castile's frontier. Inside, it operates primarily as an archive building with specially designed rooms holding millions of historical documents.
The Enríquez family rebuilt an existing Moorish fortification in the 15th century, transforming it into a powerful stronghold. The Catholic Monarchs soon seized control and repurposed it as Spain's central archive for imperial administration.
This fortress served as the administrative heart for managing Spain's empire, and its layout reflects that bureaucratic purpose. Walking through its spaces, you sense how officials once organized the documents that controlled distant territories and kingdoms.
The fortress is primarily open to researchers and students studying the collections, though guided visits are available for general travelers. Plan ahead and confirm current hours before arriving, as access sometimes requires advance arrangements.
Inside sits a specially designed fireproof chamber built specifically to shield the most valuable documents from fire and destruction. This feature reveals how seriously officials took the preservation of these records.
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