Oropesa Castle, whose construction dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, is an emblematic example of Moorish military architecture in Spain. Located in the town of Oropesa, in the province of Toledo, it is made up of two linked buildings: the Old Castle and the New Palace. The castle stands majestically on a mound in the Arañuelo countryside, in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range, near the border with the province of Cáceres and the well-known town of Talavera de la Reina.
Its history dates back to the Muslim period, when it was built as a strategic fortification, possibly over a pre-existing Roman structure. During the 13th century, under the reign of Alfonso X the Wise, the castle was already a landmark in the region.
In the 14th century, the new castle was built, which became the residence of the Counts of Oropesa and housed the Count's Palace. This castle passed to the Dukes of Frías in the 15th century and later to the Town Hall, which used it as a bullring. Finally, in the hands of the State, it was restored and established as a Parador Nacional in 1930, although this function was suppressed and then re-established in 1966.
The Palacio Condal, residence of the Counts of Oropesa and now a Parador Nacional, is an outstanding part of the complex. Its façade, adorned with coats of arms of the different count families, and the "Peinador de la reina", in a tower attached to the building, bear witness to court life and the splendour of the nobility of the time.
The old castle, rectangular in shape with four circular towers at the corners, retains traces of its former Moorish glory. On the other hand, the new castle, built around 1402, stands out for its imposing, square, five-storey keep, topped by defensive garitons and battlements.
The predominant material used in the construction of the castle is stone, using ashlars for the walls and ashlars for the most visible areas. Stone, which is abundant in the region, was an appropriate choice for this type of building.
The architectural ensemble includes a large parade ground, walls, additional towers and a monumental staircase leading to the different structures of the castle. The conservation of the castle has been a priority over the years, being restored and protected by the Spanish laws that safeguard the historical heritage. Today, the castle is owned by the Town Council of Oropesa and houses a Parador Nacional, being a tourist destination of great historical and cultural interest.
