Castle of Villarejo de Salvanés, Medieval castle in Villarejo de Salvanés, Spain.
The Castle of Villarejo de Salvanés is a fortification with a central keep tower reinforced by cylindrical turrets positioned along its walls instead of at the corners. The four-story tower can be visited and provides views of the surrounding Madrid countryside.
The castle arose in the Middle Ages as a headquarters of the Order of Santiago, serving as a center of their authority in this region. It later housed a court associated with the Order before becoming the historical site we see today.
The castle stands at the heart of a complex that brings together a church and historic houses, showing how different aspects of medieval life shared the same space. Walking through reveals how defense, faith, and governance overlapped in daily existence.
The interior of the restored tower is accessible and can be explored level by level as you climb. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and watch their footing on the historic stone steps.
What sets this fortress apart is the placement of its defensive turrets along the walls rather than at the corners, departing from the typical Spanish military design of the era. This arrangement shows a different defensive strategy adapted to local conditions and needs.
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