Castillo Ducal de Espejo

Espejo, Spain, Spain

---

Castillo Ducal de Espejo is a 15th-century fortress atop a 418-meter hill overlooking Espejo in Córdoba province, Spain, originally known as "La Atalaya de Pay Arias" after nobleman Pay Arias de Castro who fortified the site on Roman and Arab foundations during the 14th-century Reconquista frontier defense. Its nearly square layout features thick crenellated walls, four corner towers, the prominent rectangular Torre del Homenaje rising above a porticoed courtyard with underground cistern, and the detached Torre del Caballero guarding the southern flank, later adapted into a noble residence by the Duchy of Osuna. Owned by the Duchess of Osuna today, it houses part of her art collection and offers guided tours revealing Gothic military architecture amid panoramic views of seven surrounding towns.