Our latest excursion was the Ruta de Castillos- route of the castles.
Since we are now only a group of 15, we're taking the mini-bus!! It's a bit crammed, but we're saving over 100 euros!! ... Some of the kids weren't too thrilled about being stuck in such a small vehicle, but once we got on, the bus driver told us that it had wifi- so then everyone was happy!! (Technology is not the same here as it is in the US and wifi is at times hard to come by!)
We started off at this castle which was constructed in the 15th century in the small town of Portillo. We didn't go inside though, we just looked at it from the outside while enjoying some iced tea and the "dulce de Portillo" complimentes of Carolina, one of the directors from UVa.
After this we went to the castle in Cuéllar (below).
Cuellar is a small town if 10,000 people. We arrived during siesta-time so there wasn’t a soul around. It looked like a ghost town. We went straight to the highlight of the city- the castle. We entered this one and took a guided tour. It was built in the 15th century and originally was a fortress-style castle that they used to for protection.
Then in the 16th century it became a palace for the Duke of Alburquerque. The Dukes of Alburquerque lived there for centuries until they moved to Madrid. In the 19th century it was almost completely abandoned. Then from 1938 to 1966 it was a political prison. Now part is preserved for tourism and the other part is a primary school.
Then in the 16th century it became a palace for the Duke of Alburquerque. The Dukes of Alburquerque lived there for centuries until they moved to Madrid. In the 19th century it was almost completely abandoned. Then from 1938 to 1966 it was a political prison. Now part is preserved for tourism and the other part is a primary school.
We climbed one of the towers and had a great view of the city from the top. On our way down, we stopped at each level and our tour guide gave us the history behind everything. She showed us the windows where they would shoot the bow and arrows. Then the ones where they'd shoot the cannons. What we all found most interesting were the "dog holes" (not quite sure of the exact translation!) They were holes in the floor close to the entrance. If there were enemies trying to enter, they'd throw either rocks or burning oil down on them. Then the enemies would wear capes of animal skin over their heads to protect themselves from the oil, and that's why they were called "dog" holes.
Our next room had another hole in the floor, but this one lead to the basement. They told us that it was where they threw prisoners who were guilty of very serious crimes or criminals of low social status. But there were no windows or doors, and no way out. They threw them down there to die- they wouldn't give them food, and they would eventually die of starvation. Very creepy!.. Then, later after the fortress was converted into a palace, they used this tower for a chapel. Ironic, no?
Our next room had another hole in the floor, but this one lead to the basement. They told us that it was where they threw prisoners who were guilty of very serious crimes or criminals of low social status. But there were no windows or doors, and no way out. They threw them down there to die- they wouldn't give them food, and they would eventually die of starvation. Very creepy!.. Then, later after the fortress was converted into a palace, they used this tower for a chapel. Ironic, no?
After finishing our tour, we went outside the castle and were able to climb the stone wall that surrounds the city.
Our next stop was Peñafiel (below). Saving the best for last! The castle is situated on top of a hill, looking over the entire city. It is one of the highest points in the province of Castilla y Leon. We were running a little ahead of schedule, so we started down in the city, and had the bus driver drop us off at the Plaza del Coso (aka Plaza de Toros) where we had a great view of the cathedral towering over the city.
We had some time to wander around the city, but besides a few cafes, there wasn’t much going on in the town. I was told that in Spain, on the days where it is extremely hot (it was over 90 degree at least!), many people do not leave their homes.
After this we took the bus up the mountain to the castle. We were able to enter this one as well and we took a guided tour. It was built in the 10th century and used to be a fortress where soldiers would fight to protect their city. We were told that when the city was under attack, the entire population would come into the castle for protection.
After this we took the bus up the mountain to the castle. We were able to enter this one as well and we took a guided tour. It was built in the 10th century and used to be a fortress where soldiers would fight to protect their city. We were told that when the city was under attack, the entire population would come into the castle for protection.
We also got to climb to the top of the tower, and we had great views of the city of Peñafiel. We were so high that from the tower, we could see the two neighboring cities! When pointing out the city across the river, our tour guide told us that they used to communicate with the castle in the other city using mirrors or lights (depending on the time of day). The other castle would be the look-out and would notify them if the enemy was coming.
Although it was a little colder than we were expecting last month, there is no doubt that summer is now here! But we braved the heat and it was well-worth it. Overall, we all had a great time on this excursion!