Castillo de Monroy

Castillo de Monroy is a fortress constructed from stone with three concentric defensive rings protecting an outer barbican, central courtyard, and main residence topped with corner towers. The layout demonstrates the defensive design principles of medieval military architecture.

King Ferdinand IV granted privileges in 1309 to nobleman Hernán Pérez de Monroy to establish and construct the fortress at this site. The castle thus arose from a royal charter that empowered a local lord to build his own defensive structure.

The castle holds Latin inscriptions and decorative elements alongside pre-Roman animal sculptures known as verracos. These stone carvings come from an era older than the fortress itself, showing how different historical periods have layered themselves onto this location.

Wear sturdy footwear when visiting since the stone surfaces are uneven and stairs may be steep in places. Daytime visits work best to see the masonry details and interior spaces clearly.

Artist Pablo Palazuelo acquired the castle in 1970 and spent a decade restoring it with personal care. His artistic vision shaped how the fortress was brought back to life, blending preservation with creative understanding.