CASTLES JEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS

Castillo de Jerez de los Caballeros is a major medieval fortress in Badajoz province featuring a fortified walled enclosure and Alcazaba complex with Templar origins dating to the 13th century. The defensive system encompasses approximately 1,700 meters of perimeter walls enclosing roughly 15 hectares, originally featuring 26 semicircular towers with 18 surviving today. Notable structures include the Tower of Homage with pointed-vault interior chambers and Gothic windows, along with six historic gates though only the Villa and Burgos gates remain standing. The castle's Tower of Homage has long been known as the legendary "Bloody Tower" due to historical accounts of Knights Templar executions at the site. This fortress represents one of Spain's best-preserved medieval castles and remains a significant cultural heritage monument integrated within the modern city.

Castillo de la Granja del Toriñuelo in Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, represents a 15th-century fortified palace rather than a traditional military fortress. Located along the EX-112 highway, this privately owned structure sits adjacent to the celebrated Dolmen of Toriñuelo, a Copper Age megalithic monument designated a National Monument in 1926 and recognized as Cultural Heritage in 2019. The castle's modern amenities and well-preserved condition have established it as a sought-after venue for upscale events and celebrations. This unique blend of medieval fortification with Renaissance architectural elements makes it a distinctive addition to Extremadura's castle heritage.