Castillo de los Duques de Frías
Castillo de los Duques de Frías is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Frías. The structure features thick stone walls, a prominent defensive tower, and is surrounded by natural rock formations that add to its strength.
The first written mention of Frías dates to 867, and the fortress itself was built in the Early Middle Ages to protect trade routes and river crossings. It reached its peak importance in the 15th century when it was modernized to resist artillery, remaining strategically vital through centuries of regional conflicts.
The fortress is central to the identity of Frías, where residents and visitors alike feel the weight of history in daily surroundings. The name reflects its role as a noble seat, and walking through the town's narrow streets and squares reveals how the castle shaped community life for generations.
The site opens late morning and closes early evening, so plan accordingly for exploration. Access is through a walkable bridge spanning a stone-cut moat, and the grounds feature a central courtyard with multiple towers and walls to explore.
The Torre del Homenaje offers remarkable panoramic views from its rounded-arch windows over the town and surrounding landscape, a vista that has changed little over a thousand years. The presence of gun loops and cannon openings reveals how the fortress continuously updated its defensive capabilities as threats evolved.
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