Castillo de Guadalerzas, Los Yébenes

Castillo de Guadalerzas is a medieval fortress on a hilltop in Los Yébenes that features four corner towers and a central courtyard. The structure commands the mountainous landscape and displays the typical square layout of military fortifications from that era.

The fortress was built under Arab rule and changed hands between Muslim and Christian powers several times. After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, it fell permanently into Christian hands and was restructured.

The castle was a center of religious and noble authority where influential figures made decisions and spent their lives. The place reflects the blend of power and faith that defined this era.

Access requires a walk of about 20 minutes across private land from the nearest road. The interior is normally closed to visitors and requires special permission to enter.

The site served as a hospital for three different military orders: the Order of Calatrava, the Templars, and the Knights Hospitaller. This connection to multiple religious warrior organizations shows the site's strategic importance in the medieval world.