Castle of Las Seguras: A Historic Fortress Near Cáceres, Spain
Visitor Information
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Country: Spain
Civilization: Unclassified
Remains: Military
History
The Castle of Las Seguras is situated near the municipality of Cáceres in Spain. This fortress was originally constructed during the late 14th century as a defensive stronghold within the region.
During its earliest phase, the castle served primarily as a military fortification, taking advantage of its strategic location near the Salor River and along a key roadway. The oldest surviving portion of the structure is the keep, or “torre del homenaje,” which was built at the end of the 15th century. This central tower became the focal point of the castle’s defense and control.
In the early 16th century, the fortress transitioned into a more residential role when the Ovando family took possession, specifically under the ownership of Pedro de Ovando in the early 1500s. At this time, additional living quarters were added to the original keep, transforming the site into a fortified home rather than solely a military post.
By the early 20th century, the castle had experienced partial collapse, but restoration efforts began to preserve and revive its structure. Key elements such as the main staircase and a cylindrical tower known as the “torre de cubo” were reconstructed on the foundations of the original constructions that had fallen into ruin. In 1919, a more extensive restoration introduced elements typical of medieval castles, including several heraldic shields representing various branches of the owning family to emphasize its historic identity.
Today, the castle remains under private ownership, maintained by José Miguel Carrillo de Albornoz, the III Viscount of Torre Hidalgo. It functions partly as a private residence, with sections available for hosting events, blending its historical legacy with modern use.
Remains
The Castle of Las Seguras comprises a primarily defensive layout focused around its prominent keep, constructed from robust stone masonry typical of the late medieval period. The keep is designed as a square tower with two interior levels topped by a rooftop terrace, each floor accessible by a separate entrance at different heights. This design enhanced the fortress’s defense by complicating enemy access.
Inside, the ground floor features a vaulted ceiling shaped as a barrel vault, a simple curved form that strengthens the space beneath. Above, the second floor is covered by a groin vault, where two barrel vaults intersect, creating a more complex and sturdy architectural element. These vaulted ceilings not only support the heavy stone walls but also demonstrate the careful engineering of the period.
The rooftop terrace is encircled by overhanging battlements supported by corbels—stone brackets projecting from the walls. These battlements were constructed to prevent enemies from sheltering underneath and to provide defenders with vantage points for observation and protection. The castle also includes two machicolations, or “matacanes,” which are openings in the floor of the battlements allowing defenders to drop objects or pour substances on attackers below, further highlighting its military design.
During the 20th-century restoration, medieval-style features were added to emphasize the castle’s historical character. Among these were various coats of arms representing the lineage of its noble owners, which were incorporated into the fabric of the building alongside the reconstructed staircase and cylindrical tower, built on the remains of the original structures. These additions paired historical authenticity with preservation, maintaining the castle’s role as both a heritage site and a lived-in residence.
The castle’s present state reflects a combination of original medieval construction and careful early 20th-century restoration, allowing visitors to appreciate both its defensive architecture and its adaptation over centuries.
