Castle of Narros de Saldueña (Ávila)

South-west view of the castle

The Castle of the Duke of Montellano was likely commissioned by Rodrigo de Valderrávano, a councilman of Ávila, husband of Doña Beatriz de Guzmán, and son of Fernán González de Valderrábano (the founder of this entailed estate). It is also known as the Castle of the Duke of Montellano, a title granted along with the County of Saldueña by Philip V in the 18th century. The complex comprises two walled enclosures: the inner one features high walls with watchtowers or turrets at three of its corners, while the outer one is lower and includes an entrance barbican. The square-plan homage tower stands at one end of the inner enclosure. Its architectural style falls within the Valladolid School; castles of this school are characterized by having been built by noble families who were influential or held significant administrative positions.

South-west main facade of the castle

Barbican featuring the castle's entrance gate

Defensive portcullis of the entrance gate

Eastern canvas of the outer south-west wall

South-west wall of the castle body

Battlements on the south-west wall of the castle

South view of the castle

Sentry box or bay window situated at the upper south corner of the castle

Detail of the stone corbels supporting the bay window

South-east wall

Western canvas of the outer south-east wall of the castle

Barbican projecting from the castle's south-east outer wall

Battlements above the barbican of the south-east outer wall

Eastern canvas of the outer south-east wall of the castle

Embrasure beneath the battlements of the eastern corner

of the castle's outer enclosure

Eastern canvas of the south-east wall of the castle body

Eastern view of the castle

Sentry box or bay window located at the upper east corner of the castle

North-east view of the castle

Western canvas of the north-east outer wall of the castle

Barbican projecting from the castle's north-east outer wall

Eastern canvas of the north-east outer wall of the castle