The Alcázar rises from the cliff where the Eresma and Clamores rivers converge, its sharp turrets and blue-grey slate roofs making it look exactly like the Disney castle it allegedly inspired. The interior delivers: the throne room has an extraordinary gold-leaf coffered ceiling, the armour collection is one of the finest in Spain, and the keep offers panoramic views across the Castilian meseta that stretch for miles on a clear day. The climb up the tower is 152 steps and absolutely worth it.
The castle has been a royal residence, a prison, a military academy, and an artillery school over its history. The current romantic appearance owes much to a 19th-century restoration after a devastating fire, so what you see is partly medieval and partly Victorian-era Spanish romanticism. This does not diminish the experience. Allow at least two hours, and consider arriving early — coach groups begin arriving by mid-morning.