CASTILLO DE ZAMORA

Declared a property of cultural interest since 1931, the castle reopened in 2009 after four years of renovation and a total refurbishment of the fortress and its defensive structures, as well as the surrounding gardens. Ordered by Fernando I in the 11th century, it was never a palatial castle, but rather a fortress that served to protect the city during attacks. It has a rhomboid shape from which three main towers stand out. Of general Romanesque structure, it reached its maximum splendor in the Middle Ages, but underwent important transformations in the eighteenth century to adapt it to the new defense methods of that time, such as artillery. Led by Francisco Somoza, the rehabilitation work brought it back to its former splendor. Today, a series of granite walkways allow visitors to discover the spaces uncovered during the excavations carried out in the surrounding area, including five new towers, and to access the fortress, dominated by the Torre del Homenaje (Keep). Since it is located on a promontory, the walk also offers beautiful views of the Duero River and the neighborhoods of Trascastillo, from the keep. Afterwards, you can stroll through the landscaped gardens, contemplate the bridges spanning the Duero, the last of which opened in 2013 and is called Puente de los Poetas, since the modesty of the wife of Claudio Rodriguez, a poet born in Zamora, made her decline the offer of the city council to give it her name. Through the gardens, you can reach the cathedral.