In 1516 Cardinal Cisneros ordered the dismantlement of the
castle, which was restored years later. Xavier´s fort
is commonly known as the saint´s home. The saint´s
bedroom can still be seen, along with a crucifix which, popular
tradition tells, sweated blood when the missionary died in
China. Today the castle has become a place of religious pilgrimage.
The construction is divided into different areas; the main
doorway, accessible by a drawbridge spanning the moat; the
Parade Ground, with a well; the postern, located at the
end of the patio, that leads to the interior of the building;
Christ´s oratory, situated to the right of Saint Christ´s
tower, whose walls are decorated with frescoes of the Dance
of Death; the Keep, also called St. Miguel´s tower;
the Great Hall, across from the oratory; the old dining
room, the kitchen, the chimney and the living room, whose
walls display some examples of Spanish and Flemish painting;
and the Chaplains´Hall, used as home for these religious
since the 17 C. Next to the castle is the Neo-Gothic Basilica
of Anunciación, built in the 17 C, which contains
a beautiful Rococo retable.
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