Spanish castles in film

There are numerous Spanish castles from movies that have been featured on the small screen. In Spain, one can find examples of perfect fortresses, huge towers, and battlements that have bewitched many directors that have given these castles key roles in their TV shows and movies.

Almodóvar del Río Castle (Córdoba)

We will begin this list of Spanish castles from movies with the Almodóvar del Río Castle. This impressive structure is a fortress with roots from multiple cultures, some of which are Muslim and Christian. All of the cultures have marked the architectural style of the castle, subjected to different reforms and renovations. It is located in the region of Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba, on a hill next to the river Guadalquivir. This impressive defensive structure is currently a striking tourist destination, thanks to the perfect conservation of this medieval building.

In 2016 this fortress was part of the scenery for the seventh season of the popular show Game of Thrones. It mainly portrayed the castle in Highgarden, although its dungeons were also used to represent the caves of Casterly Rock.

castillos españoles de cine

Molina de Aragón Castle (Guadalajara)

Situated on a slope that overlooks the valley of the river Gallo looms defiantly the Castle of Molina de Aragón. The fortress dates back to the 12th century, and its origin can be traced back to an alcazar that the Andalusians built. It is the biggest castle of those in Guadalajara and one of the Spanish castles that has appeared in the film industry. Throughout its history, it has been the subject of many disputes due to its strategic location between Aragón and Castile. There are two parts of this castle: an exterior wall that surrounds the perimeter and the interior where you can find the castle.

Part of the cinematic adaptation of the work of Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose, was filmed in this grandiose fortress. Although the exteriors were filmed in a monastery constructed for the movie and the most important interiors were filmed in the Monastery of Eberbach, Friar Guillermo of Baskerville, played by Sean Connery, traversed the dark corridors of the Spanish castle in search of answers.

Peñíscola Castle (Peñíscola)

At the top of the town of Castellón we find the imposing fortress of Peñíscola. It is associated with the famous film of El Cid (the version starring Charlton Heston) and the figure of Pope Luna, as he took refuge there until his death in 1423. Its walls of carved stone stand imposingly on a rocky outcrop that gives the fortress a privileged location. The castle still conserves all the particularities of a Templar construction, being one of the clearest examples of these characteristics.

Many scenes from the super-production El Cid were shot within its walls. Peñíscola became this way in the Arab city of Valencia of the 11th century. The team also surrendered to the beauty of its beaches, another of the decisive scenarios in the shooting. The castle of Peñíscola is undoubtedly one of the most visited Spanish film castles.

castillos espanoles de cine

Loarre Castle (Huesca)

In the province of Huesca we find this striking castle that appears to have been taken from a fairytale. It is a Romanesque building situated in the entrance of the Pyrenees, a location that allows it to control the entire plain of “La Hoya.” It is considered the best kept Romanesque fortress in Europe, only having to restore 4% of its walls. Protecting the fortress is a spectacular wall that mimics the ground, designed to confuse enemies. All of these elements made the Castle of Loarre a Cultural Interest Site and National Monument in 1906.

The famous director Ridley Scott was enchanted by the beauty of this fortress. The castle was thus a key part of the filming of his movie Kingdom of Heaven. Like Scott, many other directors have used this castle for scenes in their movies, but this is the most well-known of the ones that did.

Castillos españoles de cine

Guadamur Castle (Toledo)

The Castle of Guadamur is an impressive and private structure from the 14th century situated in Toledo. It is a magnificent example of the Toledan fortresses of the 15th century with Italian influences. Note the two walled enclosures and a moat that, in its origin, was accompanied by a drawbridge. The building is presided over by the impressive Homage Tower, measuring 30 meters (98 ft.) in height. Incidentally, Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso spent part of their lives as lovers here.

The castle has served as scenery for many movies and TV shows with medieval courts thanks to the magnificent conservation. This, added to its great beauty, is why it has been enshrined as one of the Spanish castles used the most in the film industry. In recent years, the show The Borgias, Red Eagle, and The Divided Crown have been filmed here.

Castillos españoles de cine

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