CASTLES MONTIEL

The Fundación Castillo de la Estrella in Montiel is a heritage preservation organization dedicated to the restoration and study of a medieval castle. Established following the castle's recovery in 2012, the foundation manages comprehensive restoration efforts through community collaboration, employment programs, and archaeological research. The organization operates a virtual museum, hosts educational events, and organizes conferences focused on medieval construction history. The castle itself holds significant regional medieval importance, and the foundation's work emphasizes both physical restoration and public engagement to preserve this historic site for future generations.

Castillo de la Estrella is one of Spain's largest medieval archaeological sites, located in Montiel, Ciudad Real, atop a steep hill at 961 meters elevation. Originally constructed by Arabs in the 9th century as Munt-Yil, it resisted as a Muslim stronghold until 1228, following a two-year Christian siege. The fortress encompasses a monumental complex including the castle ruins, remnants of the medieval town that occupied its slopes until the 15th century, the Vicaría of Montiel, and the battlefield of a 1369 confrontation involving King Pedro I of Castile. Reformed during the 18th century, the castle became municipal property in 2012 and is now managed by the Castillo de La Estrella Foundation, serving as a significant cultural and historical landmark for the region.