Castle of Zamora, Spain, Medieval fortress in Zamora, Spain
The Castle of Zamora rises on a hilltop with stone walls, a central keep, and defensive towers overlooking the Douro River. The complex consists of several areas enclosed by thick walls that display the typical layout of a medieval fortress.
The fortress was built between the 10th and 12th centuries on pre-Roman foundations and served as a key defensive position during the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Various periods left their marks on the structure, reflecting the site's long strategic importance.
The castle embodies Romanesque military architecture of the region and stands today as a protected Spanish cultural monument, demonstrating the importance of fortifications in that era.
Wear good shoes for visiting, as the climb to the hilltop can be steep and the ground is uneven. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is more pleasant and fewer visitors are around.
A popular Spanish saying goes 'Zamora was not conquered in an hour', which comes from a lengthy siege in 1072 and still lives on in everyday Spanish speech. This phrase echoes how stubbornly the defenders held out and how difficult the fortress was to overcome.
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