Castle of Enrique II, Ciudad Rodrigo

The Castle of Enrique II is a 14th-century fortress with a Gothic tower and stone walls, to which an artillery barrier was added in 1507. The structures show how castles were defended against attack and reinforced with cannon fire.

Construction began after 1370, when Portuguese forces transferred the city to King Henry II of Castile. The centuries that followed saw changes to the fortifications to keep pace with new weapons.

The castle takes its name from King Enrique II and continues to shape the town's character with its substantial stone walls and towers. People visit it today as a hotel and dining space, where the walls still speak of their military past.

The grounds are accessible daily and visitors can explore the interior, though some areas may require a short walk through the complex. The location sits within the old town and is easy to reach by heading up along the town walls.

The building today functions as a luxury hotel within the Spanish Parador network, merging history with modern comfort in an unusual way. Guests sleep and dine in rooms that are hundreds of years old, an uncommon way to experience a past era.