Best of European Union » medieval fortress

Castillo de la Mota – beautiful medieval fortress in Spain

Julius — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:59:32 +0000

La Mota Castle, or Castillo de La Mota is a renovated medieval fortress named after the hill, where it stands – La Mota. It is located in the town of Medina del Campo, in Spanish province of Valladolid, approx. 150km from the capital city of Madrid. The castle is a great dominant of the whole area.

The fort is protected by the state since 1904, first as a national monument, and later as a place of cultural interest. The castle itself was rebuilt in the 20th century. It was built of red bricks which is typical for that area.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by MANUEL ZALDÍVAR

Castillo de la Mota has two main parts, its own citadel of three massive stone towers guarding the original Muslim town, and the dilapidated abbey of Santa Maria Mayor. Here we find the Gothic church of Iglesia San Miguel with a Renaissance facade and painting by El Greco and a mosque rebuilt in 1341 to the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos. If a hot weather is not a problem for you, you could climb to the tower of the fort where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole neighbourhood and the ancient town walls.

View Castillo de la Mota – beautiful medieval fortress in Spain in a larger map

The post Castillo de la Mota – beautiful medieval fortress in Spain appeared first on Best of European Union.

Kolossi Castle – medieval fortress in Cyprus

Julius — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:55:58 +0000

Kolossi Castle is a medieval fortress from the 13th century, which is located near one of the most important tourist resorts of the island of Cyprus – Limassol town. Here you can taste one of the most famous wines in the world.

Kolossi Castle was probably built already in 1210 by the King Hugh I of Cyprus, also known as the Knight Hospitaller who built the main residence here.

Later the castle became the center of the order of the Knights Hospitaller and Templar Knights. In the years of 1425-1426 the castle was damaged after a large invasion of Mameluke raids. In 1454 was at the place of original castle built a new castle. It was built by Louis de Magnac whose coat of arms can be still seen on the eastern walls of the castle.

In 1933 the castle was reconstructed. The castle is now open all year round and is accessible by a small drawbridge. Following the stone staircase it is possible to get to the roof of the castle, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings.

Already in the days of knights the castle was a place of production of a delicious sweet wine known as Vins de la Commanderie, one of the traditional Cypriot brands.

View Kolossi Castle – medieval fortress in Cyprus in a larger map

The post Kolossi Castle – medieval fortress in Cyprus appeared first on Best of European Union.