Castillo de San Servando

Toledo, Spain, Spain

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The Castillo de San Servando is a medieval fortress overlooking the Tagus River on the eastern outskirts of Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, originally founded as a monastery in the 11th century by Alfonso VI to honor saints Servando and Germano.

Transformed into a defensive stronghold by the Knights Templar after Alfonso VIII granted it to them, it protected the vital Alcántara Bridge with its rectangular layout, cylindrical corner towers featuring horseshoe arches and machicolations, and an Albarrana-style main gate, exemplifying prime Mudéjar military architecture.

Featured prominently in El Greco's "View of Toledo" and declared a national monument in 1874, it now operates as a youth hostel following periods of neglect post-Templar dissolution.