We Visit The Castle Of Peñafiel, In Valladolid
In the Valladolid town of Peñafiel we find one of the most spectacular fortresses in Spain. Peñafiel Castle is a construction of unique architecture that today houses the Provincial Wine Museum, a fundamental product in the region. Join us in this adventure and discover with us the history and secrets of this magnificent building, are we going?
The castle of Peñafiel , a place with history
The history of the castle of Peñafiel dates back to the 10th century. At least there is documentary evidence that at that time there was a fortress on the hill. Already in the year 983 the politician and military Almanzor seized it.
Later it would be reconquered by the Castilian count Sancho García. And that Peñafiel and its castle were a prominent place in the defensive line of the Duero, both for Christians and Muslims.
It was also the scene of somewhat unique events, such as the marital and political disagreements between Urraca de León and Alfonso I el Batallador. In fact, Alfonso was besieged in the castle by the troops of his wife and later by those of his father-in-law, Alfonso VI.
The importance of the fortress lasted for centuries, in fact, the castle that we contemplate is the result of successive extensions and improvements made during the 14th and 15th centuries. Visiting it today is like taking a trip back in time.
The architecture of the castle of Peñafiel
The architecture and style of this castle are completely different from those of other fortresses in Valladolid, mainly due to the terrain. The hill on which it stands is just over 200 meters long and 33 wide, and to adapt to it, the shape of this fortress is that of a ship.
An imposing-looking castle that can be seen from a distance. Not only that, but from its walls the view is spectacular. The fortress dominates a wide landscape for several kilometers around it. And it is that a good part of the Ribera del Duero region is at your feet.
Constructive details
In general lines, the distribution of the castle rooms is vaulted and practically all these rooms have easy access to stairs that lead to the different towers: Torrelobatón, Fuentes de Valpedero, Fuensaldaña and Belmonte de Campos.
The whole of the castle as such is defended by a spectacular outer wall of smooth canvases. It is estimated that this wall dates from the 11th century, which is why it is the oldest part of the entire building.
In addition to the outer wall, a second formation of inner walls delimits the entire inner perimeter. This wall is made of 28 walled cubes, which are distributed equally along it.
It is precisely in the center of this space where the famous keep stands. This tower is a 34 meter high prism with three vaulted floors. For all these reasons, Peñafiel Castle is one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings on the Iberian Peninsula.
Peñafiel castle and wine
Peñafiel is in the heart of one of the most famous wine regions in Spain and with a Denomination of Origin: Ribera del Duero. And today the castle is dedicated to its famous wines.
Inside the castle of Peñafiel today you can visit the Provincial Wine Museum. In it it is possible to know in depth the complex process of making this product through several rooms that explain the procedures, show the tools or display bottles, among other aspects.
In this way, it is intended to make known not only how the wines are made, but also their importance for Valladolid and how it is a product that serves to structure landscapes, customs, traditions and gastronomy. You can even participate in a tasting.
The castle of Peñafiel is thus, a singular monument in all the aspects. A construction that recalls old glories and battles, but that has been adapted to the times to offer the visitor something more than a beautiful picture.
