Art and culture
Peñafiel Castle
The legendary castle known as Peñafiel, belonging to the town of Zarza la Mayor is located in a privileged natural environment and stands guard over the border with Portugal.
- Explore
- Peñafiel Castle
The old Racha-Rachel Moslem fortress
Location and Contact:
- Contact person: Ayuntamiento de Zarza la Mayor
- Tel.:+34 927 37 01 85
- Tel.:+34 927 37 02 07
- Fax: +34 927 37 01 78
- Email: info@zarzalamayor.com
- Website address: www.zarzalamayor.es
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The legendary castle known as Peñafiel, belonging to the town of Zarza la Mayor is located in a privileged natural environment and stands guard over the border with Portugal.
This fortress was built by the Moslems and given the name Racha-Rachel, sometime later it was renamed by the Christians as Peñafiel Castle, which is how it is known today.
The earliest remains of this castle date from the 9th century, when the Berbers raised a watch tower over the borderland.
It is one of the most emblematic symbols of the municipality of Zarza la Mayor and gives its name to the hiking route which arrives there and then continues into Portuguese territory. Over the centuries its walls have witnessed many battles, such as those between Christians and Moors or the Spanish against the Portuguese.
After the reconquest by Alfonso IX, the property of the castle was assigned to the Order of Alcántara.
The remains of the 16th century fortress can still be seen, as well as the keep, which has been preserved as the main and most majestic element. It also has two defensive perimeters.
It is in a privileged location, within the Tagus International Nature Reserve, an area of great scenic wealth. -
- Origin:
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- 9th century
- Construction:
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- Castle
- Fortress
- Period in history:
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- Various periods
- Various styles
Gallery:
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