Castle of Zafra, Medieval fortress in Campillo de Dueñas, Spain
The Castle of Zafra sits on a sandstone outcrop at 1,400 meters elevation and includes an entrance tower, a courtyard, and a keep. The structure appears as a natural extension of the rock on which it was built.
The de Lara family built the fortress in the 12th century and successfully resisted a siege by King Fernando III of Castile in 1222. The structure changed hands several times in later centuries, reflecting the borderland position between Christian and Muslim territories.
The name Zafra comes from Arabic roots, echoing the time when this region was under Muslim rule. Visitors today find themselves in a place of silence where they can understand the position between the old frontlines.
Reaching the castle requires advance permission from the owners, and access involves either hiking or using off-road vehicles. The location on the narrow rock makes the approach to the entrance steep, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Inside the fortress are chambers and kitchens that could accommodate up to 500 people during a siege in medieval times. The compact design makes optimal use of the limited space on the rock and shows military architecture of that era.
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