Today's Castle: Belmonte, Spain

Castillo Belmonte is a 15th-century castle in Cuenca, Spain, about half way between Madrid and Valencia. It was built for Don Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena. According to the Spanish tourism authorities, "It is a Gothic-Mudejar style castle, designed by master Hanequín of Brussels."

Construction began in 1456. The castle has a triangular bailey (inner court) surrounded by a six-sided structure, with a lower wall beyond that.

It has elegant interiors, as befits a Renaissance residence of a wealthy noble family.

This wooden ceiling is especially famous.

As part of the set for El Cid, in 1961.

Much more information, and a video, at the castle's web site.