The Castles along the Route

Castles are the most characteristic symbols of the Middle Ages in Spain. Between the years 722 and 1422 the Iberian landscape was filled with these magnificent stone constructions that stood majestically on strategic sites. Its number increased spectacularly thanks to the economic expansion and the reconquest of territories that had been under the control of the Arabs for centuries. This favourable socio-economic situation was partly due to the Route. The constant surge of pilgrims brought about the interchange of capitals and the arrival of people from all over Europe, who brought with them their knowledges and money. With these funds, the Kings of the Peninsula could contract mercenaries to continue with the reconquest of lands on the South.

Around the castles villages would develop -when there was any danger, people would take refuge in them- and in its interior small busy towns were established. These fortresses became the most important social centres in the Middle Ages. Society at that time was basically rural: the land was the prevailing economic element. Most of the manpower was devoted to the land. Many times these peasants had to rise up in arms in order to defend the possessions of their masters. Castles served as a catalyst for all social,agricultural, guild and military activities.

Citadels were also connected with the consolidation and extension of the recovered feuds. Castles were usually a reward for the services to a feudal lord during the war. They became the centre of a newly established prosperous rural estate. Castles were also the first victims of popular uprisings that took place over these centuries.

Pilgrims made their way to Compostela under the protection of these magnificent constructions that rose on high hills scanning the horizon. Along their way, pilgrims could contemplate the castles of Javier in Navarre and of Temple in Ponferrada; the Castle-Palace of Villafranca del Bierzo in León, just to mention a few.

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