Castelo de Monterreal

Castelo de Monterreal stands as a historic fortress occupying the Monte Boi peninsula in Baiona, Galicia, with construction spanning the 12th to 16th centuries. Surrounded by three kilometers of defensive walls enclosing 18 hectares, the castle features three notable preserved towers: the Reloj tower with a hidden bell used for defense alerts, the heptagonal Tenaza tower serving as a key defensive structure, and the Príncipe tower. Built by the Catholic Kings to control maritime territory in the Rías Baixas region, the fortress gained historical prominence in 1493 when one of Columbus's caravels first arrived at Baiona with news of the discovery of America. Today, the castle houses a Parador hotel, blending its medieval heritage with modern hospitality.