Castle of Santorcaz, Medieval fortress in Santorcaz, Spain.
Castle of Santorcaz is a medieval fortress with an oval layout and walls roughly two meters thick. The structure spans about 110 meters from north to south and displays the features of a fortified religious compound.
This fortress was built in the 14th century under Archbishop Pedro Tenorio's command and replaced an earlier 12th-century structure. It served as part of the defense system supporting Alcala de Henares.
This fortress began as an archbishop's residence and later became a prison for clergy members. The building reflects how religious authority shaped both the structure and purpose of the place.
The castle remains sit within a public park where visitors can access certain areas under Spanish heritage protection laws. Some sections require caution as they are historic structures requiring ongoing maintenance.
Several notable prisoners were held within these walls, including high-ranking religious and secular figures. This history shows how the fortress functioned as a place of power and control in medieval religious hierarchy.
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