13 Medieval Castles to Visit for History and Architecture

"Perched at the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains, this distinctive medieval fortress is famous for its unique shape resembling a ship's bow. Originally built as a fort in the 12th century, it became the preferred residence of Castilian monarchs for much of the Middle Ages—housing notable figures like Queen Isabella I—before later serving as a prison and the headquarters of the Royal Artillery School; it has since been converted into a museum." - Steven Casale Steven Casale Steven Casale is a New York City-based freelance writer and digital strategist. He specializes in food, travel, and lifestyle content for publications like Tasting Table, Travel + Leisure, The Lineup, and amNY.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines