Castillo de Montealegre de Campos

The Castillo de Montealegre de Campos is a fortress located in the town of Montealegre de Campos, in the province of Valladolid. Built by Alfonso Téllez de Meneses in the 13th century, the high walls of the castle were never conquered, making it one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in the province. The castle played an important role in the conflicts between Pedro I and the followers of Enrique de Trastámara. Isabel Téllez de Meneses, wife of Juan Alfonso de Alburquerque, defended the castle.

The last Meneses died without descendants in 1365, and the castle was donated by the king to his brother the count Sancho. The castle served as a refuge to the communeros during the war of the Comunidades. In 1908, the castle was bought by Lucinio del Corral y Flórez and Florencio Alonso with the intention of selling the stone for the construction of the railroad, but the project was not carried out and the fortress remained intact. Today, it offers a simple interpretation center and, from its terrace, an impressive landscape can be contemplated.

It is partially restored and its interior can be visited. The restoration and creation of an interpretation center on the history of the fortress have recovered and revalued a significant heritage asset that until recently remained closed due to conservation and security problems.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons