“The Fortress”: Ledesma Castle

Know as the Fortress, the castle was built in the south-west of the town, far from the river, in order to defend the areas which were exposed by means of the orography.

Its origins date back to the times of Fernando II de Leon (12th century), although it got its definite shape by means of the Count of Ledesma, Don Beltran de la Cueva, who gives his coat of arms to the town in the 15th century, as it can be seen on the north door of the building.

The view of the castle is impressive, standing on the granite rock which makes him look really solid. It has an irregular trapezoidal plan and it is made of mampuesto and granite ashlars.

Towards the south, the building seems to be a harmonious, stony site, with a pointed-arched door flanked by two towers.

The castle is next to the wall of Ledesma and it has always been of place of encounter for the inhabitants of the town. After being restored in several occasions, it has turned into a place where a lot of activities, markets, …take place. In fact, it is the place where the celebration of El Corpus festivity takes place.