Iberian Fortifications - Town Walls and Castles

There are so many well preserved and completely intact town walls around that it's simply unbelievable! Everywhere you turn, especially in Castillia, you'll see medieval walls and/or castles and most in almost pristine condition. Mind boggling. This are a people who really cherish their history!

Castles are so common that they can be found everywhere and other than the really historical ones, anyone can buy a castle. The cheapest ruins go as low as Euro3000 for a castle. The only catch is that you are mandated by law to reconstruct it which could probably cost you Euro300k-500k depending on the extent of deterioration... but hey, it's nice to know I can afford to buy a Spanish Castle... maybe one of these days....

1. Avila Town Walls ca. 11th century A.D.
2. Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge ca. 12th century A.D.
3. Obidos Town Walls ca. 14th century A.D.
4. Avila Town Walls from the one of the battlements
5. Avila Town from afar
6. Lisbon Torre de Belem (built to defend the middle of the Tegus river and Lisbon port)
7. Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge (one of the cannons)
8. Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge (another one of the cannons)
9. Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge battlement
10. Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge interior walls
11. Seville Alcazar (Moorish fortress)
12. Seville Torre del Oro (Golden Tower built as a watchtower by the Moors)
13. Seville City Wall (built by the Moors)
14. Cordova Alcazar (Moorish fortress)
15. Obidos Castle (now an expensive hotel)

Obidos is interesting. Portuguese Kings give this town to their Queens as a wedding present every time they marry. lol.

Lots of different designs too. The Moorish fortifications are distinctly different from the Christian ones which tend to be squarish and more blockish.