Zamora Castle and the Baltasar Lobo Museum

The castle, at the western end of the old town, is the oldest thing in the city; here the siege of Zamora was resisted. Admission to the enclosure, the tower and the gardens, with views over the Duero, is free. On the Plaza de la Catedral, a step away, the Baltasar Lobo Museum, also free and with the same hours, shows the work of the sculptor from Zamora.

The fortress

Ferdinand I had it built in the 11th century, and it was never a palace: it was a fortress designed to defend itself and the city. It has an unusual rhomboid plan, made of concentric rings: the moat, the counter-moat, the lists, the residence block and the inner courtyard. The keep is the tallest and was the last redoubt of defence. In the 18th century it was turned into an artillery fort, and in the recovery works another five towers appeared.

After four years of works, it reopened in August 2009 with the fortress, its defences and the surrounding gardens restored. Today you walk through the courtyard, climb the tower and stroll along the wall walk with a view over the river, the valley and the cathedral. It is a short visit that works with children: there is a moat and a tower.

Opening hours

From 1 November to 31 March it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:30; from 1 April to 15 June and in September and October, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00; from 16 June to 31 August, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. It is closed on Monday, and also on 8 September, 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January. You cannot enter in the 20 minutes before closing. On long weekends and public holidays, confirm on 980 533 694, the tourist office; the castle's number is 980 531 845.

How to fit it in

It is in the Castillo park, at the end of Calle de la Rúa, so the natural thing is to join it with the cathedral, which is next door. From outside it is also covered by the Romanesque Zamora guided tour. From the park you can go down to the river through the Olivares district to the Stone Bridge and the mills. To sleep inside the old town, the Hostería Real de Zamora is beside the Stone Bridge.