CASTLES OROPESA

Castillo de Oropesa is a fortified medieval complex in Toledo comprising two distinct structures: the Old Castle from the 12th-13th centuries with Moorish origins, and a later Christian castle from the 14th-15th centuries. Both sections are positioned prominently on the north side of the town and were historically linked to the powerful Álvarez de Toledo family and the County of Oropesa. Today, two of the castle's buildings—the Palacio Viejo from the late 14th century and the Palacio Nuevo from the 16th century—operate as the Parador de Oropesa, a luxury hotel offering accommodation within these historic palace structures.

Castillo de Oropesa is Toledo's most emblematic monument, comprising a complex defensive system that layers Muslim fortifications from the 12th-13th centuries with Christian architectural additions. Built atop Roman ruins, the castle features a rectangular floor plan with four circular towers, of which two remain preserved, alongside notable structures like the Gothic-Mudéjar palace of Doña Elvira and the 16th-century palace of the Álvarez de Toledo family. The fortress boasts a distinctive stone staircase unique in Spain and a Tower of Homage offering panoramic views of Oropesa and its surroundings. Converted into the first Parador hotel in 1930, the castle exemplifies the blend of Roman, Moorish, and Christian architectural heritage.