Escalona, municipality of Spain
Escalona is a small town in Toledo Province positioned on a hill above the Alberche River, surrounded by medieval walls and narrow stone streets. The castle sits prominently on higher ground, and traditional buildings of stone and clay fill the compact town center where history feels present in every corner.
Escalona was established around the 11th century after the Reconquista, when King Alfonso VI ordered a fortress built on the hill for defense. In the 15th century, it was expanded under Álvaro de Luna and served as a critical stronghold controlling trade routes toward Toledo and southern Spain.
Escalona holds a special place in Spanish literature, mentioned in the classic novel Lazarillo de Tormes and birthplace of the medieval writer Don Juan Manuel. Walking through the town, you notice murals and plaques that bring these literary connections to life, making the streets feel like pages from history books.
The castle is easily reached on foot from the town center and offers views of the river and countryside from above. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the uneven cobblestone streets, and bring water as there is limited shade throughout the compact town.
The river Alberche makes a dramatic 180-degree turn just below the town, creating a distinctive landscape feature visible from viewpoints above. This geographical quirk made the location ideal for fortification and continues to shape the character of the surrounding countryside today.
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