Castillo de Pilas Bonas

Manzanares, Spain, Spain

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Castillo de Pilas Bonas in Manzanares, Ciudad Real province, Spain, is a 13th-century fortress originally built by the Order of Calatrava under Grand Master Martín Martínez to defend their territory against the rival Order of Santiago's nearby Tocón Castle.

Named after Basque knights from the Sagasti-Manzanares family who garrisoned it, the stronghold served as the Encomienda de Manzanares headquarters from 1284, undergoing reforms through the centuries before French troops occupied it during the Peninsular War and Carlists used it in 1836.

Transformed into private residences after 1864 confiscations, the well-preserved structure with thick stone walls and towers now operates as a charming boutique hotel blending medieval atmosphere with modern comforts.