Castle of Zafra: A Historic Fortress in Guadalajara, Spain

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.turismocastillalamancha.es

Country: Spain

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

The Castle of Zafra is located in Campillo de Dueñas, Guadalajara, Spain. It was built by the Manrique de Lara family between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. This construction took place on the site of earlier fortifications from the Visigothic and Moorish periods. The Moorish fortress had been captured by Christian kingdoms in 1129 during the Reconquista, marking a significant shift in control of the region.

In the early 13th century, the castle played a crucial defensive role on the border between Christian and Muslim territories. It was a key stronghold for the Kingdom of Aragon and the Señorío de Molina. In 1222, the castle withstood a siege when Don Gonzalo Pérez de Lara sought refuge there against King Fernando III of Castile. This event led to the Agreement of Zafra, which arranged the castle’s transfer to royal control through marriage alliances.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times amid civil wars and rebellions. Important figures involved included Henry II of Castile, the French commander Bertrand du Guesclin, Peter IV of Aragon, Henry IV of Castile, and Don Juan de Hombrados Malo. Don Juan maintained royal control over the castle and was granted hereditary wardenship, ensuring his family’s long-term association with the fortress.

After the union of Castile and Aragon in 1469, the castle lost its military significance. From the 16th century onward, it gradually fell into ruin as its strategic importance diminished. The castle remained state property until 1971, when it was sold at auction to Don Antonio Sanz Polo, a descendant of Don Juan de Hombrados Malo. He dedicated thirty years and much of his fortune to restoring the castle and was honored with a Medal of Merit by the National Association of Friends of Castles.

In modern times, the Castle of Zafra gained cultural recognition as a filming location for the sixth season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. It represented the Tower of Joy in three episodes, linking the historic site to popular media.

Remains

The Castle of Zafra is perched atop a sandstone outcrop in the Sierra de Caldereros at about 1,400 meters elevation. The fortress occupies the entire rock formation, which stretches from northeast to southwest. A defensive wall encloses the summit, connecting the entrance tower at the southwest end to the main buildings at the northeast end.

The castle consists of four main parts: the entrance tower, an open courtyard, the Place of Arms, and the Tower of Homage or donjon. The Place of Arms served as a troop assembly area and contains cisterns for water storage. The donjon housed the lord’s chambers and kitchens and has two floors connected by a spiral staircase. This staircase leads to an upper terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The fortress could accommodate up to 500 people. Around the main structure, remains of additional buildings are visible in the nearby meadow. These may have served as outer fortifications, stables, or storage facilities. The original access route to the castle, described as ingeniously constructed, no longer exists. Today, visitors reach the entrance via a stone staircase or ladder installed by the current owner.

The two main towers have undergone significant restoration. The castle remains privately owned by the family of Antonio Sanz Polo. While the exterior can be viewed, access to the interior requires permission from the owner.