Castillo de Coca is preserved example of medieval architecture in Spain. It is located above the river Voltoya and is protected by a broad and deep moat, which has a length of approximately 560 meters. It was built by Don Alonso de Fonseca, Archbishop of Seville in the 15th century. Besides its advanced defensive system, Castillo de Coca has also very nice interior decoration. Here you find Gothic ribbed vault mosaics and various geometric motifs.

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Castillo de Coca belonged together with castles of Cuéllar, Arévalo and Olmedo to a strategic fortification system. Thanks to the cleverly formed defence the castle was first occupied in 1808 by Napoleon’s army. In recent years, the castle was used as a forestry high school, but it is publicly accessible. Its main attraction is the decoration of the interiors and museum.

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Photo: karaco1971

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Hochosterwitz castle is very old. It was first mentioned as early as the 860th. The castle was heavily damaged by frequent incursions of Turkish troops at the turn of the 16th and 17th century. In 1541 it was a site of of Emperor Ferdinand I. Later in 1571, it was bought by Baron George Khevenhüller. Since then the owners of the castle is still the Khevenhüller family. Under their rule in 1570-1586 the castle was extended to large fortification system, which was at that time quite unique in its scope.

The access road is over 600 meters long and you have to pass through 14 gates. According to the legend, Hochosterwitz castle has never been conquered. Inside the castle there is a chapel with wall paintings or the tank of water 13 meters deep. In the interior there is a museum exhibition and a restaurant.

Hochosterwitz castle is privately owned but it is open to the public in the period from Easter to October.

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