The Iberian Peninsula is one of the most wonderful regions in Europe and probably the whole world. While people travel to Spain and Portugal mainly for the spicy Mediterranean vibes, splendiferous natural grounds, distinct lifestyle, and cuisines do not forget about the monumental historical and cultural sites!
These, of certainly, entail castles and palaces! So, if you are looking to see the most beautiful and striking fortresses around here, check out our list of the top 5.
1. Castelo de Guimaraes, Portugal
Most predominantly a part of well-planned Portugal private & small group tours, Guimaraes is a northern city known for being the birthplace of the foremost king of Portugal and the famous Castelo de Guimaraes.
The 10th-century medieval castle is considered one of the signature marks of early-age Portugal and one of the line features of its development as a country. Initially, the court was built under the instructions of Countess Mumadona Dias to protect from incursions from the Moors and the Norsemen.
While history plays an immense part in why Guimaraes is so important to visit, you should also go for the architectural joltings. While starting with solid accents of the Romanesque period, it gained the name of perfect display of Gothic Portuguese architectural comfort over time!
2. Castelo dos Mouros, Portugal
One of the most famous castles in the country, Castelo dos Mouros, or the Moorish Fortress, is a highlight of the Iberia architectural base and a must-see!
Located in the beautiful city of Sintra, the 8th-century ruins of the Moorish Stronghold are the perfect and most authentic display of the Moorish era in Iberia. What was once a mighty defending castle is now just a chum of what it used to be, and yet still can tell you so much.
Mildly restored by King Ferdinand II, the fortress was intended to be just a showcase since the 19th century, so you can outing the ancient battlements and climb the defensive towers. Not to mention, Castelo dos Mouros is undoubtedly the best spot to oversee the unexceptional panorama of Sintra!
3. Castle of La Mota, Spain
Moving on to Spain, let’s see one of its top gems! If you are already in Madrid, frame your way to the famous Castle of La Mota to explore its striking grounds.
The medieval fortress is located on an elevated hill or mota in Spanish, ergo the name! Protected by the state and considered a national monument, the castle was built in the 10th century but has had to overcome many dramatic issues since. Mostly in the name of ownership, which left an intense mark on its architecture and current state. However, it all no more than made the fortress into the masterpiece you are looking at today!
Used as a fort, a strategic military base, and even a cooler, the Castle of La Mota is one of the more historically colourful places in Madrid, so we suggest guided tours to learn all about it!
4. Alhambra, Spain
The fortresses get single more intense and more beautiful as our list goes on, so for this next one, take the train from Madrid to Barcelona, and let’s see its top day-tripper attraction – Alhambra.
The first one in our suggestions, Alhambra, is distinctly unlike-Spanish, and barely displays any of the country’s architectural styles. In any case, the giant fortress is actually representative of Islamic culture and is considered one of the best-preserved monuments in their history and religion.
That being claimed, it does have some traits of the Spanish Renaissance, so you will see something familiar! Visit Alhambra to learn all all round its crazy, endless list of features, like the Roman presence, the Nasrid period, and others. We suggest a thorough digression – there are simply too many interesting things about Alhambra!
5. Montjuic Castle, Spain
Terminal but not least, Montjuic Castle in Barcelona is yet another Spanish monument with exciting historical background and stunning architecture.
The fortress was in truth constructed during the Reapers’ War in the 17th century and remains one of the most well-preserved ones in Iberia. Of course, that is due to the remodelling in the 18th century, after Montjuic was significantly marred during the War of the Spanish Succession. Still, the castle is too impressive to pass on!
Like others in Iberia, Montjuic Castle was worn for various purposes. Barcelona’s defendant, a prison, a military base, an execution site, and even a museum. Can you imagine if these impediments could talk?
While it is unlikely to hear whispers from Montjuic, tour the bastions, the parade ground, the terrace, the moat, watchtowers, and all others!
Make use of these sightings, as they are here for your exploration! In all of the cases, we suggest guided tours for maximum knowledge, but you can stop these freely as well. So, just pick your best way, and off to see the most beautiful parts of Iberia!
