Castle of Almonacid: A Historic Fortress in Toledo, Spain

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 4.4

Popularity: Low

Official Website: www.almonaciddetoledo.es

Country: Spain

Civilization: Early Islamic, Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

The Castle of Almonacid is located in the municipality of Almonacid de Toledo, Spain. Originally established as a fortress of Muslim origin, it first appears in historical records in 848 AD. Built on a hill overseeing an ancient passage to the region known as La Mancha, the castle served as an important watchpoint to control movements along this strategic route.

In the 11th century, following the Christian Reconquest, the fortress came into the possession of Alfonso VI of León and Castile. The castle arrived in his hands through the dowry of his wife Zaida, who was the daughter of a Moorish king. Shortly thereafter, in December 1086, Alfonso VI entrusted the castle to the Cathedral of Santa María de Toledo. The fortress then underwent significant renovations during the 14th century, particularly under the guidance of Archbishop Pedro Tenorio, reflecting its continued importance in the region.

Throughout the later Middle Ages, the castle was involved in notable historical events. In the late 14th century, it served as a prison for Alfonso Enríquez, Count of Gijón and Noreña, who was an illegitimate son of King Henry II of Castile. Alfonso was held captive there by the order of his half-brother, King John I of Castile. This episode highlights the castle’s role not only as a military stronghold but also as a place of detention tied to royal conflicts.

By the 18th century, the ownership of the castle had transferred to the Counts of Mora, marking a change from its earlier ecclesiastical administration to noble estates. In 1809, during the Peninsular War, the castle provided shelter to troops under General Venegas as they prepared for the Battle of Almonacid against French forces. Despite this refuge, the castle fell to the French army during the conflict, indicating its strategic value in military actions of the time.

In the decades following the war, by 1839, the local municipality permitted residents to remove bricks from the structure to sell, which led to significant deterioration of the castle’s fabric. Through various successions, the fortress passed into the hands of prominent individuals such as María Eugenia de Guzmán y Portocarrero, the Countess of Mora and Empress of France, as well as members of the Manso family from Toledo, reflecting its continued association with influential families even as its military role declined.

Remains

Perched atop a hill, the Castle of Almonacid reveals a defensive design consistent with its military purpose. The fortress features robust outer walls crowned with battlements—raised sections of the wall (crenellations) that provided protection for defenders. These walls are further fortified by an external barrier and include a *chemin de ronde*, which is a narrow walkway running along the top of the walls, allowing guards to patrol and defend the stronghold.

At the heart of the castle’s enclosure stands the keep, also known as the tower of homage, which remains the most prominent surviving structure. This central tower comprises three floors, each covered by brick vaults—arched ceilings constructed with bricks that added strength and fire resistance. Its construction from both brick and finely cut stone, or ashlar, underscores the blend of durability and craftsmanship. Surrounding the keep are the remnants of large cylindrical towers and a barbican, an outer defensive gate or fortification meant to protect the entrance.

The castle also contains two cisterns, or *aljibes*, which are reservoirs designed to collect and store water—a vital resource during sieges. Alongside them lies a silo, traditionally used for storing grain, and several ancillary rooms. These features demonstrate the fortress’s self-sufficiency and capacity to sustain occupants during extended periods of isolation.

One distinctive architectural detail of the castle is its triple arrow slits, locally known as *troneras*. These narrow, vertical openings allowed archers to shoot arrows at attackers while remaining shielded from return fire. The presence of multiple slits in a single section enhanced defensive capabilities.

Materials such as brick and ashlar stone characterize the castle’s construction, reflecting common regional building practices and the need for both strength and resilience. Though parts of the castle have deteriorated over time, the keep and its surrounding defensive elements remain largely intact, offering a tangible link to the fortress’s active role in Spain’s medieval and early modern histories.