Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
If you like the majesty or enigmas that enclose the castles, you certainly have an appointment with the Belmonte Castle.
Located in the province of Cuenca, halfway between Madrid Y Valenciawhen you arrive at the town of Belmonte you will find the typical scene that you always like to see of a castle.
Of course I refer to the image a great fortification located on top of a hill that rises above a town.
Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
I anticipate that you will be before one of the best preserved castles in Spain, and if you live in Madrid, in a way it will remind you ofCastle of Manzanares el Real.
Also, without knowing it, you may have your image on your retina,
Effectively, Belmonte Castle has been the scene of several films, as El Cid, from Antony mann, with Sofia Loren Y Charlton Heston as protagonists, and more recently,Juana the Mad from Vicente Aranda.
Belmonte Castle History
The history of Belmonte Castle dates back to the second half of the 15th century, when it was built by order of Don Juan Pacheco, who had the title of first Marquis of Villena.
Belmonte Castle entrance in Cuenca
The works of the castle stopped in 1472 after the death of Juan Pacheco, which in practice meant that the fortress did not finish building completely.
It's that time the Belmonte Castle became one of the protagonists of the call War of the Succession among the followers of Juana la Beltraneja and then Isabel the Catholic.
But Belmonte Castle It had a second period of boom after several centuries of almost abandonment.
Eugenia de Montijo in Belmonte Castle
Whichever Empress of France, Eugenia de Montijo, as heiress of the Villena's house promoted from 1857 some restoration works.
The most outstanding result of these works are the galleries of the central courtyard built in brick, whose contrast with the rest of the building will be striking.
Belmonte Castle in the province of Cuenca
After several stages, including a time when the Belmonte Castle it hosted a Dominican monastery, in 1931 the castle was declared Well of Cultural Interest.
The most recent highlight has been the restoration carried out in 2010 for its opening for the visit of the public.
What to see in Belmonte Castle
When visit Belmonte Castle you will see a triangular structure with a double wall and the central courtyard restored by Eugenia de Montijo.
The recent restoration has musealized the castle, so that in your tour of the different rooms you can see scenes that remind you of the atmosphere of life in this fortification throughout its history.
Central courtyard of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
Conceived as defensive strengthbut also like residence palace, your visit starts watching a very interesting and well-made 12-minute film that serves as an introduction.
Medieval rooms in Belmonte Castle
In this way you can know the history of the castle and enter the different periods that have marked it.
On the first floor you will find several rooms with the atmosphere of the medieval times.
There you can see from wooden coffered ceilings, to beautiful decorations with stucco on windows and fireplaces, as well as furniture and objects of the time.
The second floor of the castle is dedicated to the era of Eugenia de Montijo, in the nineteenth century, with recreations of various rooms, such as an office or a bedroom.
Interior decoration of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
The dome with a wooden coffered ceiling in one of the rooms will also attract your attention.
Finally you will climb to the top of the walls, whose perimeters you can travel, as well as climb several of the towers.
From there you have excellent panoramic views of the town of Belmonte as well as the great Castilian landscapes.
Historical reenactments in Belmonte Castle
Today the castle usually hosts different events, such as historical reenactments or weddings.
Medieval combat in Belmonte Castle
To highlight the celebration of Medieval Combat World Championship which took place in May 2014, or the International Medieval Combat Tournament It was held in August 2016.
On the other hand, in March 2018 the days took place under the denominationThe Thirds of Spain SXVII.
Historical Recreation Days of the 19th century in Belmonte Castle
And this year 2019 takes place on June 1 and 2 the Historical Recreation Days of the 19th Century dedicated to the figure of the aforementioned Eugenia de Montijo.
Here you can check the Full program of these historical days.
In parallel during the celebration of this type of activities other events are usually held such as a craft market, falconry exhibitions and archery practices.
Inner corner of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
An original pretext to visit this historical enclave.
Schedules visit Belmonte Castle
The visiting hours of Belmonte Castle they are, in the mornings, from 10 to 14 hours, and in the afternoons, it varies according to the time of the year; in spring, from 4 pm to 7 pm; in summer, from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm; and in winter, from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Note that in January and February the castle is only open in the morning for visits on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., opening on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. .
Throughout the year it closes on Mondays, except in August that it is open.
Inner corner of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
Access is up to 45 minutes before closing time.
Belmonte castle ticket prices
The ticket price (2019) for visit Belmonte castle It is 9 euros (10 euros on the bridges and in the month of August), with a reduced rate of 5 euros for children from 5 to 12 years (6 euros on bridges and August).
The entrance includes the use of the audio guide, and on the bridges and August the theatrical visit.
On weekends there is also afalconry display at Belmonte Castle with a surcharge of 3 euros (5 euros in bridges and August).
Interior gallery of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
Belmonte Castle Tour
If instead of going on your own you prefer to go with an organized group with guide in Spanish, you can sign up for Don Quixote tour of La Mancha.
Departing from Madrid on an 11-hour excursion, in addition to tour the interior of Belmonte Castle, you will meet several Manchego corners in El Toboso or the windmills in Mota del Cuervo, in addition to tasting Manchego wine.
You can also see the castle of Belmonte, but without visiting inside, if you sign up forTour of the best of Castilla-La Mancha which is also done on a day leaving from Madrid with a guide in Spanish.
Photos Belmonte Castle
Here you have more photos of the medieval castle of Belmonte, to visit in the province of Bilbao.
- Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Interior staircase of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Window decoration of Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Ceiling coffered ceiling in Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Government Hall in Belmonte Castle in Cuenca
- Bedroom in Belmonte Castle Museum in Cuenca
How to get to Belmonte Castle
Belmonte Castle is 170 kilometers from Madrid, the best route being the national road that connects the capital and Albacete. taking in Mota del Cuervo the detour that takes you to the town of Belmonte.