Originally built in 960 on the orders of Cordoban caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, this fortress is named after the Reconquista hero Guzmán El Bueno. In 1294, when threatened with the death of his captured son unless he surrendered the castle to attacking Islamic forces, El Bueno threw down his own dagger for the deed to be done.

Guzmán’s descendants later became the Duques de Medina Sidonia, one of Spain’s most powerful families. You’ll need to buy tickets for the fortress at the tourist office.