Spanish Castles, Castile and Leon.

Castile y Leon is the magical “land of the castles” – a land which gave birth to Castilian and Spanish languages, the legendary hero El Cid and Saint Teresa of Avila. The region is awash with well preserved legacies from the days of different empires which ruled the country: the Roman Empire stayed in Spain for some 500 years, Moorish times reached 700 years of history – though during some 300 years it was decreasing all time due to the Reconquest wars of the Christian Spanish, and from 1492 onwards, the Spanish empire.Spain's history has resulted in the country being home to over 2500 defensive constructions: from defensive towers to reinassance castles. From them, more than 500 are castles: ranging from Moorish castles to military fortresses built in the “Reconquista”, medieval castles, riverside or seaside controlling castles.
These castles were an expression of the greatness of the towns and the vitality of their people. They started to be built as defensive towers in the 8th century, with the Moorish invasion, and continued being erected until the 16th century, when they lost their original function as Spain as a country was born - and wars in the territory ended.The castles used to be fortresses, war machines with a clear strategic value, vantage points from where to watch, protect and defend villages from the constant attack of the enemies. The medieval lords built them as a residence, and the fact that these impressive structures, these symbols of power, still stand today is rather amazing.
The history of the villages and towns has been written in the battlements of these structures, whose centenary stones speak of a time when this region dominated the world.Castile is a place where ancient history, myth and legend have become together during the centuries. This region is home to a province which boasts more medieval castles than anywhere else in Europe.The ancient kingdom of Castilla (or Castile) was first united with the neighboring kingdom of Leon in the early part of the 11th century. It takes its name from the many castles built by the Christians as a defence against the Moorish invaders in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the early years of Arab domination, the region was at the vanguard of the centuries-long battle to oust the Moors.

Castilla y Leon, the north part of Castilla (Castile) is not only the largest region of Spain, but as well the largest region of all the European Union. The elevated plain is limited by mountain ranges to the east, south, and north and by Duero river towards Portugal.

Castilla y León is littered with enchanting medieval villages and historic cities, which are like living, outdoor museums. Segovia, Salamanca and Avila have earned World Heritage status along with the Santiago Way – the famous pilgrims' trail which traverses Castile y Leon en route to the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela. Walt Disney used Segovia's fairytale Moorish fortress as the inspiration for his famous Sleeping Beauty castle. The cities of Burgos and Leon host both very impressive Gothic cathedrals, amongst the main ones in Europe, both in the Santiago Way. The fortified medieval town of Ávila, birthplace of Saint Teresa, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the whole of the region. It's still encircled by 11th century walls punctuated with nine gates and more than 80 look-out tower.

Here is a video with some other beautiful castles that you can find in Spain. It is in Spanish, but the main point is that you can see some good castles. You can find many more historical videos of Spanish castles by the same channel as this one, we hope you enjoy them!

 

You can find this info and more at:
http://www.spanish-living.com/castilla-y-leon

http://www.turismocastillayleon.com
http://www.red2000.com/spain/region/r-cleon.html
http://www.cellartours.com/blog/spain/ten-most-beautiful-castles-in-spain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkPosJEi8Nc