Castillo de Castronuevo, Rivilla de Barajas, Medieval castle in Rivilla de Barajas, Spain
Castillo de Castronuevo is a medieval fortress in Rivilla de Barajas with three circular towers and two rectangular ones, surrounded by a perimeter wall with artillery parapets and a moat. The complex includes vaulted underground chambers and a central courtyard with stone railings and arches.
Gil de Vivero built the fortress in the 1470s during King Henry IV's succession conflicts and sold it to the Duke of Alba in 1489. This change of ownership placed the castle in the hands of one of the region's most powerful families.
The castle blends Gothic and Mudejar styles in its underground vaulted rooms and central courtyard with stone railings. This architectural mix shows how different building traditions existed side by side in the region during its construction.
The fortress is in poor condition with several collapsed sections and vegetation growing throughout, so visitors need to be careful while exploring. Visit on dry days to navigate the uneven ground more safely and avoid slippery surfaces caused by moss and damp.
The underground vaulted stables are among Europe's best-preserved medieval equestrian facilities and show how sophisticated construction was at that time. These hidden chambers protected valuable horses from attacks while providing shelter and optimal care.
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