Cultural Tourism
The Castle of Belmonte has had a very relevant role in Spanish history. We invite you to discover its role throughout the different eras. The video covers since its construction in 1456 until today.
Visit Duration 1h00 - 1h30
The origins of the Belmonte domain
After a visit to the Castle of Belmonte, the visitor will know more about how life in a medieval castle was and about the problems that aros during the Castilian Civil War between Princess Juana “La Beltraneja”, protected by the holder of her monarchical rights, the “Marqués de Villena”, and her aunt Isabel, who would afterwards be known as “La Católica”. The visitor will also know more of the role that the lord of the castle played during the war. The outcome of this war, which ended up unifying Castile and Aragon, played a key role in the Spanish unification of 1492. This took place after the fall of the kingdom of Granada. Some other Belmonte castle lords proactively participated. Diego López Pacheco was the Captain General of the Spanish troops that managed to conquer Granada.
The visitor will also travel back to the second half of the XIXth century, walking around rooms that are decorated exactly as they were when Eugenia de Montijo, France´s Empress due to her marriage with Napoleon III and descendant of the Marques de Villena, was the owner of the castle.
The visit starts with a stroll around the castle walls, where the visitor will be surrounded by battlements and towers. The audio guide will help the visitor go back a few centuries and assume the role of a soldier, scanning the horizon in search of an enemy or repelling an assault on the castle. A beautiful sight of the town of Belmonte can be seen from the northern tower. Big signposts indicate all the main monuments that can be seen from atop the castle; the magnificent Colegiata de San Bartolomé that the Marqués de Villena ordered to be built, the old fortress of the Infante Don Juan Manuel, which is currently being rebuilt, the hospital of San Andrés, the convent of the Madres Concepcionistas, the Plaza del Pilar, the convent of the Trinitarios and, a marvelous sight, the castle walls that protect the oldest quarters of Belmonte.
Before the visit ends, and after going around the Torre del Homenaje, we can go down to the inner stronghold on a spiral staircase and visit the dungeons and cellars. We will then rest in the castle´s tavern, where local wine and cheese can be tasted. Only then can we continue our journey around Belmonte’s or La Mancha´s lands.
