Castle of Aulencia, Medieval castle in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain.
Castle of Aulencia sits on a hill at the confluence of the Aulencia and Guadarrama rivers, with a rectangular layout defined by six cylindrical towers. The main tower dominates the structure and was built to survey the surrounding terrain.
The fortress was built during the 14th century and first came under the control of García Fernández before passing to the Álvarez de Toledo family. This powerful family shaped the region during the reign of King John II.
The castle displays Mudejar architectural features that blend Christian and Moorish building traditions common to the region. This style reflects an era when different cultures coexisted and influenced each other across Spain.
The site sits on elevated ground and can be viewed from several angles, though access is limited in some areas. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and bring sturdy footwear suitable for walking on slopes.
Right next to this medieval fortress stands the European Space Astronomy Centre, a modern research facility dedicated to space exploration. This unusual proximity creates an intriguing contrast between medieval defense and contemporary scientific inquiry.
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