Castillo de La Calahorra facts for kids
The Castillo de La Calahorra is a famous castle found in a town called La Calahorra. This town is in the province of Granada, in sunny Spain. The castle sits at the foot of the amazing Sierra Nevada mountains. It was built a long time ago, between 1509 and 1512. What makes it extra special is that it was one of the very first castles built in the Italian Renaissance style outside of Italy! Because it's so important, it was made a protected monument in 1922, called a Bien de Interés Cultural.
This historic castle has even appeared on screen! It was featured in the 1974 movie Stardust. In the film, it was the hideout for the character Jim MacLaine, played by David Essex. More recently, the castle was used as a grand house in the city of Pentos for the 2022 TV series House of the Dragon.
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A Unique Castle in Spain
The Castillo de La Calahorra is not just any castle. It stands out because of its special design. While many castles in Spain were built in older styles, this one was inspired by the new ideas of the Italian Renaissance. This was a time when art, architecture, and learning really blossomed in Italy.
Built Like an Italian Palace
Imagine a grand Italian palace, but built as a strong castle! That's what the Castillo de La Calahorra is like. It has a tough outer shell, like a traditional castle, but inside, it's designed with beautiful courtyards and fancy rooms, just like the palaces in Italy. This mix of styles makes it very unique and important for understanding how architecture changed over time.
Where is it Located?
The castle is located in the small town of La Calahorra. This area is part of the Granada province in southern Spain. It's nestled close to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is famous for its tall peaks and even some ski resorts. The castle's spot on a hill gives it great views of the surrounding area.
A Castle on Screen
The Castillo de La Calahorra has a bit of a celebrity status! Its grand looks and historic feel make it perfect for movies and TV shows. When you see it on screen, you can imagine what life might have been like inside its walls centuries ago.
Starring in Movies
In the 1974 film Stardust, the castle became a key location. It served as a quiet retreat for one of the main characters. This shows how the castle's atmosphere can add a lot to a story.
Featured in TV Shows
More recently, the castle was chosen for the popular TV series House of the Dragon. It was used to represent a grand building in a fictional city. This means the castle continues to be a popular choice for filmmakers looking for impressive and historic settings.
Protecting History
The Castillo de La Calahorra is not just an old building; it's a piece of history. That's why it was given the special title of Bien de Interés Cultural in 1922. This title means "Property of Cultural Interest." It's a way for Spain to protect important historical sites and make sure they are preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Photo Gallery
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Castillo de la Calahorra
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Castillo de la Calahorra
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Full Moon over La Calahorra Castle.
