Castillo de Davalillo

Castillo de Davalillo is a medieval fortress perched on a hill above the Ebro River, built entirely from dressed stone blocks. The structure features an unusual seven-sided floor plan with cylindrical towers positioned at the corners and center points of the walls.

The fortress was founded in the late 12th century under King Alfonso VIII, constructed to defend Castilian lands against possible attacks from the Kingdom of Navarre. Its location above the river made it strategically important for controlling this border region between rival powers.

Next to the fortress stands the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Davalillo, which once served as the parish church for the earlier village community. The shrine demonstrates how religious and military authority were closely connected in this region.

The site is privately owned and not regularly open to visitors due to its status as an endangered cultural monument. The best view of the structure can be seen from the river below or nearby hillsides, where its distinctive polygonal shape becomes clear.

One of the most striking details is an arrow slit preserved in one of the towers, showing how the fortress was equipped for armed defense. This feature reveals that the structure was not merely a symbol of power but was genuinely prepared for combat.