The Coracera Castle

The Coracera Castle

Take a step back in time. Discover how the 15th-century Spanish royal residence, The Coracera Castle, transformed from a medieval fortress to a 21st-century cultural center, housing the Museum of Wines of Madrid.

Built by Álvaro de Luna in the 15th century, The Coracera Castle has stood tall for more centuries than many lives span. Originally built as a residence and recreation lodge, its ownership eventually changed to royal due to the inclusion of the name ‘de la Coracera’ in its title, which once belonged to Antonio Corcuera, a former owner. However, the origin of the name ‘Coracera’ still remains a mystery. Suggestions include it being the result of a typo in a promotional brochure of the 1970s or a reference to its former royal use.

Throughout history, The Coracera Castle was used by various historical figures. For example, Isabel la Católica resided in it during a period in which she was proclaimed heir to the Castilian Crown. In the 19th century, it was used by the Baron of the Sacred Lily, who used it for recreational and hunting purposes. During the Spanish Civil War, General Kindelán, with a powerful radio transmission team stationed in the tower of the homage, used The Coracera Castle as his headquarters. Today, the castle is under the ownership of the Fundación Castillo de la Coracera, who are rehabilitating it for public use and housing the Museum of Wines of Madrid. The castle's barbican stands 4 meters tall and surrounds the whole complex, approximately 5 meters away from the main nucleus.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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