The castle of Peñafiel began to be built in the 10th century, although its current appearance is the result of the important interventions that took place, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries. This medieval fortress was declared a National Monument in 1917 and has now become an emblem for wine tourism in Ribera del Duero.

It is located on a high oblong hill at the foot of which the Duratón and Duero rivers flow, and is adapted to the topographical shapes that are so many metaphors, from that of a boat to that of a serpent, with its imposing silhouette dominating the town and the territory, which gave its name to the town of Peñafideli or Peñafalcón.

Peñafiel, together with its castle, was a fundamental point in the defensive line of the Duero, both for Christians and Muslims in the 9th and 10th centuries. From the hill, the castle overlooked the valleys of the Duero, Duratón and Botijas rivers and protected the town.

Its historical evolution:

• The plateau it occupies must have been inhabited since prehistoric times, but its most prominent role was when Muslims and Christians were disputing over the Duero (10th-11th centuries).
• In the 10th century it was destroyed by Almanzor.
• In the 11th century it was conquered by Count Sancho García.
• Alfonso X donated it to his brother, the Infante Juan Manuel, who rebuilt it from 1307 onwards.
• The keep was rebuilt during the reign of Juan II.
• Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Peñafiel and its castle were the domain of the Manuel family.
• In 1406 it was restored by the prince Don Fernando.
• The Infante Don Juan Manuel wrote many of his literary works there and rebuilt it in the 14th century.
• During the civil wars it was an enemy of Juan II, who ordered its demolition, which was carried out by the villagers.
• It was rebuilt around 1456 by Don Pedro Girón, Lord of Peñafiel and Master of Calatrava, with the permission of Enrique IV.
• It then passed to the Duke of Osuna, was abandoned and began to fall into ruin until it was repaired during the reign of Philip III.
• In 1755 it suffered a fire.
• In 1814 its ashlars were torn out by the locals.

The castle is 210 metres long by only 20 metres wide and in its centre is the keep, which is 34 metres high, leaving two inner courtyards on either side:

1. North courtyard: occupied by the storerooms and cisterns.
2. South courtyard: formerly occupied by the stables and harnesses, it is currently the space for the Provincial Wine Museum.

The castle can be accessed by private car. On some occasions, such as national holidays, long weekends and special dates, the castle provides a free coach service in the car park next to the entrance to the castle, and it is compulsory to leave your car in the car park. These coaches run during the museum’s opening hours and leave approximately every half hour.

Peñafiel Castle is part of the so-called “Route of the Castles of Ribera del Duero“, a journey through the culture and history of our region.

RATES:

• Castle (Guided tour): Individual 3,30€ // Groups 2,75€ – Children under 12 years old 1,70€.
• Castle and Provincial Wine Museum: 6,60€ // Groups 5€ – Children under 12 years old 3,30€.
• * Other options: Entrance to the Castle and Provincial Wine Museum can also be purchased together with other tourist resources thanks to the “Ribera Friendly” Tourist Card.
• Additional services can also be purchased directly from the Peñafiel Provincial Wine Museum:
  Commented tasting: 9,20€.

OPENING HOURS:

1 April to 30 September:

• M to Sun and F from 10:30H to 14:00H and from 16:00H to 20:00H. Monday Closed

1 October to 31 March:

• M to D and F from 10:30H to 14:00H and from 16:00H to 18:00H. Monday Closed
  Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January.

* The last guided visit to the Castle is 45 minutes before closing time.