Top Choice

Castillo de los Sotomayor

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

The top-heavy main tower of the massive and spooky Castillo de los Sotomayor rises a mighty 45m above its hilltop perch. The castle was built in the 15th century by Gutierre de Sotomayor, master of the Knights of Calatrava, a Reconquista crusading order that controlled a huge swathe of territory from Córdoba to Toledo. After years of abandonment and closure, a restoration project began in 2017 and the castle may be open to visitors by the end of 2018.

It's especially picturesque when surrounded by bright-red poppies in April/May.


Must-see attractions