Paris1972-Versailles2003

And again, this is a great story in the family and I need it to bring it to more attention with of course older new pictures to the blog. We came here 3 times (see posts) and always great family time which you can read, it has brought a lot of memorable moments to share with my family and friends. Let me tell you again on the Castillo de Belmonte, exteriors, part II !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

This is the Castle or Castillo de Belmonte! In Belmonte, Province of Cuenca, autonomous region of Castilla La Mancha, Kingdom of Spain.  We came here by car straight from Cuenca on the road N 420. It is one of the best castles combining the history of my beloved France and Spain! Plenty of free parking at the castle grounds.

This is a must if visiting Spain, me think, The Belmonte Castle, impressive to say the least.  It has been preserved as it was constructed and kept by the family for generations. It was built by 1468 on orders of Don Juan Pacheco, first Marquis of Villena who was involved in many conflicts in the war of succession in Spain. The castle went thru periods of abandoned for several centuries and it was finally, Eugenia de Guzman, heir to the house of Villena and better known as the Imperatrice of the French Eugenia de  Montijo (wife of Napoleon III) who ordered the renovation which began in 1857!

Initially ,the Castillo de Belmonte was built as a fortress but eventually it was accommodated more like a luxurious palace. The main building is surrounded by a artillery barrier to defend its lower parts and has three gates or Puertas such as Puerta del Campo (Field), Puerta de la Villa( city), and Puerta de los Peregrinos(pilgrims).

The Belmonte castle has many activities throughout the year which we are on emailing list and wish to come more often, we will be back, eventually, Memories forever of my dreamer Quijote as well.

The official castle of Belmonte : http://castillodebelmonte.com/en/

The Belmonte tourist office on things to see: https://www.turismobelmonte.es/visita-guiada/

The city of Belmonte on the castle: https://descubriendo.es/belmonte/lugares-y-monumentos.html?dbd=75-castillo-de-belmonte

The Castilla La Mancha regional tourist office on the castle of Belmonte in English: http://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/patrimonio/castillo-de-belmonte-20864/descripcion/

We drove a bit on the town, very old and quant and of course, can’t forget the castle and the windmills looking out, it reminds me of Don Quijote !!! And of course, the history of two countries dear to us, France and Spain, nice. Again, hope you enjoy the Castillo de Belmonte,exteriors, part II as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!