Castle of Sigüenza, Medieval castle in Sigüenza, Spain.
Castle of Sigüenza is a stone fortress perched on a hilltop with two defensive towers, machicolations, and crenellations guarding the main entrance. The complex contains multiple buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with a 14th-century gatehouse serving as the principal defensive structure.
A bishop reclaimed the fortress from Muslim control in 1124 and established it as a residential seat for the church leadership. It remained the episcopal residence for nearly 800 years until its function changed during the 19th century.
The fortress blends military design with spaces built for religious administration, reflecting the power of the medieval church. Visitors can still sense this connection between defense and spiritual authority when walking through its rooms and courtyards.
Today the structure functions as a hotel in restored rooms that maintain the medieval character of the fortress. Visitors can explore the spaces, and some areas are accessible for day visits even if you do not stay overnight.
In the 1350s, the fortress briefly served as a prison for a royal wife during a political struggle involving the king. This dramatic episode reveals how such castles sometimes played unexpected roles in conflicts between powerful figures.
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