Castillo de ZALATAMBOR gaztelu

Estella-Lizarra, Spain, Spain

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Castillo de Zalatambor, located in Estella-Lizarra, Navarre, Spain, is a medieval fortress first documented in 1024 that served as one of three key defenses alongside Castillo Mayor and Belmecher, protecting the city and pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

Fortified on a main rock outcrop with extensions through the 13th century, it functioned as a royal residence for Navarrese monarchs during the 13th to 15th centuries until civil wars between Agramontes and Beaumonteses led to its decline.

Captured by Castilian forces in 1512, it remained in use until 1572 when newer fortifications like Pamplona's citadel rendered it obsolete, resulting in partial destruction by explosives and later quarrying, leaving ruins that offer historical insight into Navarre's turbulent past.