With its Disneyland-like turreted towers, this castle makes a fairy-tale impression. The fortress stands majestically above the city on a steep-sided rocky crag. From this vantage point, the views of the surroundings are amazing.
The impenetrable location is testament to the original military purpose of the fortress. Dating back to the 12th century, the Alcázar served as the residence of King Alfonso VIII, and in the 13th century, the building was enhanced in elegant Gothic style for John II and Henry IV.
The last architectural renovation was completed in the 16th century by the architect Francisco de Mora. The marriage of Philip II and Anne of Austria was celebrated in the Alcázar's chapel.
The entrance to the castle is at the Torre de Juan II, a 14th-century tower ringed by ten semicircular turrets. Visitors can tour all the rooms of the Alcázar, which are exquisitely furnished in period style with tapestries, arms, and armor.
