Castle of Peñafiel, Valladolid (Spain). Castillo de Peñafiel.

The Castle of Peñafiel is one of the more beautiful castles of Spain. The castle is situated on a hill from where it is possible to see the Duratón and Botijas valleys. Its outward appearance is smooth and it has only one gateway. The plan of the keep is rectangular, it measures over 30 metres high and 14.5 by 20 at the base, and is topped by eight small towers. The keep is flanked by two courtyards. The interior of the castle has two floors with a stone vault. It was declared a National Monument in 1917. Currently the Provincial Museum-Foundation of the Wines of Valladolid.

Peñafiel Castle is built with stone from Campaspero. It measures 210 metres long, and 33 wide. Largely responsible for building the castle we see today was Don Juan Manuel. He was one of the richest lords in Castile and played an very active part in the politics of the kingdom. He was married to the granddaughter of King Ferdinand III. He also occupies an important place in Spanish literature as one of its most important writers from the Middle Ages. He was the prototype of the medieval knight; not only involved in wars but also cultivated.