Castillo de Santibáñez el Alto, Medieval castle in Santibáñez el Alto, Spain.
Castillo de Santibáñez el Alto is a stone fortress positioned on a hilltop with irregular walls arranged in concentric defensive layers protected by a barbican. The structure integrates the old town buildings within its fortification system, creating a compact defensive settlement that stands out in the landscape.
The fortress was originally built in the 9th century and later reconstructed by the Knights Templar of the Order of Pereiro during the 11th and 12th centuries. These modifications strengthened its defenses and made it a major stronghold along the border.
The place served as a meeting point for medieval rulers and reflected the power dynamics of the time in this border region. Walking through the fortified structures today, visitors can sense how the location shaped the life and decisions of the people who inhabited it.
The castle grounds are open for visitors to explore the medieval defensive architecture from various angles and perspectives. The village cemetery now occupies part of the site, so guests should visit respectfully and at appropriate times.
The two main gateways display different periods of construction: the principal gate reflects Renaissance design while the Gate of Gata predates it. Both have been carefully restored and reveal how defensive engineering evolved across different eras.
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