In the heart of Ciudad Real is located the town of Bolaños de Calatrava where stands the spectacular Doña Berenguela Castle. This fortress, which holds centuries of history, It stands out for being one of the few that is built in the heart of the urban area.. This castle, whose construction dates back to the 12th century, was built by the Muslims at a strategic point within the communications network that linked the east with the west of the peninsula, and connected key cities in Spain such as Córdoba and Toledo.
Over time, this fortress passed into Christian hands and, throughout its history, it has played a important role in both the military and administrative spheres. Today, it is one of the most important monuments of the Campo de Calatrava region.
The history of the castle changed after the Christian reconquest
The fate of the castle changed significantly after the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212when the Christians won a decisive victory over the Muslims. At that precise moment the Campo de Calatrava region began its Christian repopulation and the castle passed into the hands of the King Alfonso VIII. He decided that it was a wedding gift for his daughter, Doña Berenguela de Castilla.
In the year 1229, Doña Berenguela donated the fortress to the Military Order of Calatravaa decision that was later confirmed by his son, Ferdinand III the Saint, and by his grandson, Alfonso X the Wise. Since then, the castle played a crucial role as headquarters of the Bolaños Encomienda until 1825when it was definitively abandoned.
Over the years it has gone through several transformations, including the confiscation of Madoz in 1864. It was not until mid-20th century that the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real He acquired the property and undertook a series of rehabilitation works to restore the walls and towers that are still preserved today.
This is the Castle of Doña Berenguela
This Muslim fortress stands out for being a plain castlewith a quadrangular plan and four towers in each of its corners. These were in charge of supporting the wall and protecting the space. Although many of the interior constructions have disappeared over time, some elements excavated in the natural rock are still preserved.
One of the The most significant finds of this castle are the remains of Arab baths that have come to light after various archaeological excavations. These bathrooms, together with drainage channels, a cistern with its well and a system of pools for collecting and distributing water, date back to the Muslim era. Are these the oldest remains that the fortress offerswhich are joined by the Torre Prieta and the Torre Alta, which reaches 22 meters high.
Unlike other towns or places, to find the castle you do not have to climb mountains or move away from the center of the town. This fortress is surrounded by the houses of the Bolañegos in the Plaza de Altozano, between Castillo and Escuderos streets.
How to get to Bolaños de Calatrava
If you visit Bolaños de Calatrava it is very possible that you can also enjoy one of the most important and charming towns in Ciudad Real such as Almagro. This is only 7 kilometers away, which if you travel by car you can easily reach it. It is only 25 minutes from the capital on the CM-412 highway heading south..
If, on the contrary, you travel from Madrid The journey is approximately 2 hours. You have to take the A-4 in the direction of Andalusia, and then join the CM-412 in the direction of Bolaños de Calatrava.
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