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castle of Simancas today

Spain · Restored

castle of Simancas

Castillo de Simancas

The Castle of Simancas is a late-medieval fortified complex in the centre of Simancas, Spain, which houses the Archivo General de Simancas. Built on earlier Moorish foundations and remade in the late 15th century, it later became the royal archive and today is protected, restored and open to visitors and researchers.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1580

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1580

What castle of Simancas looked like in its prime.

A compact, pale limestone fortress with a low, crenellated curtain wall across the front, pierced by a central rounded gate flanked by twin drum towers. Behind the wall rises a rectangular stone residential block with steep grey slate roofs and small dormer slits. A taller cylindrical tower with a domed cap and small balcony stands at the right end, and a smaller conical-roofed round tower sits centrally; the masonry is ashlar and the entrance arch bears a carved shield. The castle sits directly on a raised stone forecourt.

Its story

The story of castle of Simancas.

The castle stands in the centre of Simancas on older Moorish foundations. In the 15th century the House of Enríquez constructed a new fortification on top of the existing ruins, restored the Moorish walls and added a chapel.

The fortress later became the royal archive and still houses the Archivo General de Simancas. The complex has been protected with fireproofing measures, the Enríquez chapel has been restored, and the building is open to visitors and researchers.

Step inside

9 places to explore in 1580.

The record describes 9 distinct spots at castle of Simancas, including 2 interiors: interior of the 15th-century chapel, archive chambers and administrative rooms. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach from the town forecourt facing the main gateMain gate between the twin drum towersTall cylindrical tower with domed cap (right)Large rounded bastion at the left endCentral small round tower with conical roofWalk along the crenellated curtain wallInterior of the 15th-century chapelArchive chambers and administrative roomsEntrance ramp and bridge leading to the gate

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Whose castle

Clans who held castle of Simancas.

The families that held castle of Simancas for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.

  • Enríquez

    The House of Enríquez built the 15th-century fortification and its chapel over the older Moorish walls.

Questions about castle of Simancas

What is the history of castle of Simancas?

castle of Simancas was rebuilt as a fortified complex in the 15th century. The House of Enríquez constructed the new fortification over older Moorish foundations, restored the walls and added a chapel. The Catholic Monarchs later claimed it for the Crown and turned it into a prison; in 1540 it became the Archivo General de Simancas.

What is inside castle of Simancas?

Inside castle of Simancas are the 15th-century chapel, archive chambers and administrative rooms. The chapel has a painted star vault bearing the arms of Alonso Enríquez and María de Velasco. The archive includes four large rooms for documents, the so-called ‘cub of Philip II’, and a fireproof chamber.

Why was castle of Simancas built, and what was it used for?

castle of Simancas was built to serve as a fortified complex over an older Moorish fortress. The House of Enríquez rebuilt the earlier stronghold and restored its walls in the 15th century. After the Catholic Monarchs claimed it for the Crown, it became a state prison and later the Archivo General de Simancas.

Where is castle of Simancas?

castle of Simancas is in the centre of Simancas, Spain. It stands in the town centre and houses the Archivo General de Simancas. The complex is located in the administrative territory of Simancas.

When was castle of Simancas built?

castle of Simancas was built in the late 15th century. Its foundations, walls, battlements, gates and bridges date mainly from between 1467 and 1480. Earlier Moorish foundations survive beneath the later fortification, which was constructed by the House of Enríquez.

Which family or clan held castle of Simancas?

The House of Enríquez held castle of Simancas and built its 15th-century fortification and chapel over older Moorish walls. In the 15th century, the family exercised the lordship of Simancas. The Catholic Monarchs later claimed the fortress for the Crown.

What did castle of Simancas look like in its prime?

castle of Simancas is a compact, pale limestone fortress with a low crenellated curtain wall and a central rounded gate between twin drum towers. Behind it stands a rectangular residential block with steep grey slate roofs, while a tall cylindrical tower with a domed cap rises at the right. A smaller conical-roofed round tower stands centrally.

Is castle of Simancas still standing, or is it a ruin?

castle of Simancas is still standing and has been restored. Its medieval walls, towers, battlements, gates, bridges and foundations survive from the late 15th century. The archive has received fireproofing measures, and the Enríquez chapel has also been restored.

Can you visit castle of Simancas?

castle of Simancas is open to visitors and researchers. It houses the Archivo General de Simancas, which was established there in 1540. The complex is protected as a bien de interés cultural and has been placed under fireproofing measures to protect the archive.

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