Belalcazar's haunting castle stands sentry on a hilltop perch just outside the white village. Centred on a formidable 45m-high tower, it 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. Following completion of a recent restoration project, it's hoped the castle will shortly be open to visitors.
It's especially picturesque when surrounded by bright-red poppies in April/May.
