If when you cross the bridge that rises over the moat of the Guadamur Castle The feeling of being on the set of a movie invades you, it is not exactly by chance. This imposing fortress, today in private hands, has hosted numerous film and television shootings and it is usually in high demand, since there are few spaces in Spain so well restored that they lend themselves to recreating a historical atmosphere that adapts to various eras of our past.
On the outskirts of Toledo, less than an hour and a half from Madrid, is the town of Guadamur, in whose historic center, to the east, and on the La Ermita hill, is the unmissable castle. Originally built on an ancient Islamic fortification, the first phase of its construction began around 1470, and the second most important phase around 1520, with the aim of strengthening the protection of the area, in which many sieges took place.
After its first markedly military years, the castle also became noble residence, a place of rest, a recreational space to practice hunting and where to take refuge if Toledo suffered attacks or battles. The families of various counts passed through its doors until finally, today it remains under private ownership.
Restored in detail after the damage caused in the Civil War, the Castle maintains its original strongly military structure, with a rectangular floor plan, two walled enclosures with the highest interior, a large moat and, in the core, the residential palace. Today the parade ground is covered and all the rooms are distributed around it, such as stables, dungeons, kitchens, chapel and service places. At the top, with a style mudejarthe noble rooms are located.
In addition, the Catillo is dominated by a notable keep with its original defensive elements, from the time of the Catholic Monarchs.
It is worth coming to contemplate and surround this fortress even if it is improvised, but if you wish to visit you must do so by appointment. It is possible that let’s come across some filming that prevents access to the interior, but it never hurts to look around in case we come across an actor or actress wearing medieval or Renaissance finery.
Toledo (GUIARAMA COMPACT – Spain)
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Photos | Castilla la Mancha
In DAP | The town with an imposing medieval castle and less than 100 inhabitants where a Hollywood classic was filmed
In DAP | Of canyons, rivers and castles: this is the most beautiful hiking route in Madrid