Castle of Ucero, Medieval fortress in Ucero, Spain
Castle of Ucero rises on a rocky hilltop positioned between the valleys of the Lobos and Chico rivers, with three layers of defensive walls protecting a central tower. The structure was built to take full advantage of the steep terrain for defensive strength.
Juan González de Ucero, the castle's first documented lord, fought alongside King Alfonso VIII at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212. The fortress later became a key stronghold during the Reconquista campaigns in the region.
The castle served as a residence and place of confinement for clergy under the control of the bishops of Osma starting in the 1500s. This dual role shaped how the fortress functioned as both home and seat of religious authority.
The site sits on a steep hilltop, so sturdy footwear and some physical effort are needed to reach the main structures. The walls and foundations were reinforced during restoration work completed in 2015, making them safer to walk around.
An underground passage runs from the castle to the Ucero River, designed to grant water access during long sieges through an ingenious tunnel system. This hidden network was a clever defensive strategy against extended attacks.
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