Castle of Pedraja, Medieval castle ruins in Piélagos, Spain
The Castle of Pedraja is a medieval fortification perched on La Picota mountain, featuring a rectangular tower, partial walls, and a surrounding moat. The structure contains a square enclosure with sides measuring around 36 meters and represents one of the region's major defensive works.
Garcilaso I of the Vega family built this fortification between the late 1200s and early 1300s to defend his territorial holdings. The construction marked a key period of regional authority during the medieval era.
The castle shows a blend of Romanesque and Gothic design, reflecting how medieval lords displayed their authority through building style. It functioned as an administrative hub and reveals the importance of the La Vega family in controlling the region.
The site can be reached by following marked hiking trails that lead through the countryside. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the paths are uneven and the hilltop location involves some steep climbing.
This fortification was once the largest defensive structure in eastern Asturias de Santillana, highlighting its strategic importance. This status made it a crucial checkpoint for controlling trade routes and territorial boundaries during the medieval period.
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