Castle of Préjano: A Medieval Fortress in Spain

Visitor Information

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Country: Spain

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

The Castle of Préjano stands in the municipality of Préjano, Spain, and was originally established by medieval Christian settlers during the Reconquista period. Its origins trace back to a fortified site constructed in the 11th century, reflecting the need for defensive structures along contested frontiers during that era.

In the mid-12th century, specifically 1151, the castle and its surrounding lands were granted by Alfonso VII to Martín Fernández. Fernández was recognized for his role as alcaide, or military governor, of Calahorra, suggesting that the castle functioned as part of a broader defensive network. By the late 13th century, the castle changed hands through sale and cession: Don Simón Ruiz sold it with the territory of Yanguas to the military-religious Order of Calatrava in 1284, known for defending Christian lands during the Reconquista. Shortly afterward, in 1288, the castle and town were transferred indefinitely to Vela Ladrón de Fuevara, a noble connected to the Navarrese Vela family, indicating a shift in regional control aligning with Navarrese interests.

During the 15th century, the castle belonged to Garci Franco de Valladolid. Political developments of the time saw King Enrique IV seize the property after Franco supported Alfonso, the king’s rebellious brother. Ownership later passed to García Manrique in the mid-16th century, yet the castle eventually returned to the Franco family line, with Antonio Franco recorded as lord around 1498. Subsequently, the Marqueses de Gastáñaga inherited control, reflecting the continued importance of noble lineages in managing the estate.

By the 19th century, the castle had largely fallen into ruin except for a pentagonal tower that survived. The castle’s courtyard was repurposed to serve as the town’s cemetery until the mid-20th century, when a new burial ground was established outside the urban area. This period marked a transition from military to civic use of the site.

Between 2007 and 2019, a careful restoration project took place. Divided into five phases, the work involved archaeological investigations and structural consolidation brought about through funding from regional authorities and European agricultural development programs. This effort aimed to preserve the historical fabric and provide access to the tower.

Remains

Today, the main archaeological feature at the Castle of Préjano is a pentagonal keep constructed mainly of masonry. This tower dates to the 15th century, representing the later phase of fortification on the site. The design includes carefully cut ashlar blocks reinforcing the edges, while the tower’s base is strengthened by sloped buttresses that enhance its stability. Such architectural elements demonstrate construction techniques used in late medieval military buildings.

The tower’s entrance is notably positioned on the second floor, reached by a pointed arch doorway that faces southeast. This elevated access was a defensive strategy common in medieval fortifications, allowing occupants to control entry points. Though this doorway is currently sealed, restoration efforts installed a staircase enabling modern access to the tower’s interior and upper sections.

Surrounding the tower is a rectangular masonry wall that encloses a courtyard. Historically, this courtyard was reused as the town cemetery during the 19th and early 20th centuries, an adaptive function that illustrates the site’s evolving role within the community over centuries. The wall and courtyard stand as evidence of both defense and subsequent civic use.

The restoration campaign carried out over twelve years included archaeological excavations that clarified the site’s historic phases and architectural details. The work preserved the remaining structures in situ and enhanced understanding of the castle’s materials and construction methods. This ongoing conservation secures the remains of the Castle of Préjano as a testament to its layered history.