Castillo de Fregenal de la Sierra, Medieval castle in Fregenal de la Sierra, Spain.
Castillo de Fregenal de la Sierra is a medieval fortress with seven towers, including a main tower that was converted into a bell tower in the 18th century. Today the structure houses a bull ring built in 1781 and a market hall constructed between 1914 and 1915.
The Knights Templar took control of the fortress in the 13th century, marking its first documented mention in historical records. The stronghold later became part of a broader defensive network that shaped the region for centuries.
The fortress served as a defensive outpost protecting the Kingdom of Seville from Portuguese threats during the Middle Ages. This role shaped how the local population lived and organized their settlement around the stronghold.
The site is located in a somewhat remote area, so visiting by car or organized tour is recommended. The fortress and its interior spaces are accessible year-round and offer a good overview of medieval construction methods.
Archaeological digs at the site uncovered Roman remains, revealing that much of the medieval stonework came from an ancient Roman settlement. This makes the fortress an interesting example of how later communities repurposed earlier structures.
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