Castillo de Dorión, Medieval castle in Villa Nueva, Guatemala
Castillo de Dorión is a medieval-style castle built mainly of local stone and wood, combining European military architecture with local influences. Its towers served as lookout points, and its thick walls remain well preserved. Inside are reception halls, private rooms and service areas, surrounded by gardens of native plants.
Carlos Dorión Nanne built the castle between 1935 and 1938 on land granted by General Jorge Ubico, incorporating regional building techniques. The project arose during a period of infrastructure development and political influence in the region.
The castle hosted Venetian Nights celebrations during the Pepesca Festivals, where General Ubico participated in boat rides to his residence, El Morlón. These events reflected the site's social importance in local festival culture.
The castle stands 24 kilometers from Guatemala City in zone 4 of Villa Nueva, reached via the La Barca–Villa Nueva road beside the Paseo del Lago municipal park. Public entry is not permitted, so the building is seen from the road and park; the neighboring chalet is also under the nuns' care.
A community of Orthodox nuns from the Holy Trinity Monastery lives on the grounds and maintains the castle. The site served as a filming location for the 1957 movie El Tesoro del Fantasma.
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