Alburquerque Castle

The privileged position of Castillo de Luna, located in the Extremadura town of Alburquerque, and therefore close to the border with Portugal, has made it very attractive as a fortress. During the 12th century and at the start of the 13th, it changed hands several times between Christians and Moslems.

It then had diverse lords, almost always with a connection to the crowns of Castile or Aragon. Mid-15th century, the person in charge is Álvaro de Luna, Master of the Order of St. James, who built the famous keep of this fortress. But that is not the only identifying mark on this castle as it has several palace-style out buildings, some outer defence resources in the barbican and a curious pentagonal tower, crowned battlements with sharp points ending in balls. Furthermore, the fortress is protected by three levels of walls scattered with small towers and several doors.

But that's not all, because you can still enjoy many of the elements that gave this castle the appearance of a fortress, such as its ensemble of outer walls, the gates and towers and bastions. During your visit, make sure you see the church in the courtyard, dedicated to Santa María del Castillo and built at the end of the 13th century, where you will have to spend a few minutes contemplating its apse. All of these architectural riches meant that, in 1924, Castillo de la Luna was declared a National Monument.