The best walks and hikes around Riolobos

For decades, it fell into oblivion, becoming a remote ruin visited by few. However, recently, Mirabel Castle (or what remains of it) has become one of the attractions in this area of the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve. Situated on a hill in the mountains, the castle's imposing defensive fortress offers stunning views of the Tagus River stretching out below.

I don't know whose idea it was to restore the northwest tower so badly, a crime in plain sight... Today they are working on the "restoration" of the barbican. Alfonso II, in 877, failed to conquer the fortress of Portezuelo. In the month of July 997, when Almanzor crossed the Alconeter bridge and through Coria and the castle of Portezuelo he reached Santiago of Compostela. Conquered by Ferdinand II of León in 1166 and lost in 96. In 1219 Diego Sánchez, master of Alcántara, took it again: “he left Çamora with a large army against the Moors who still had much of Estremadura belonging to their conquest and the master with his knights and vassals joined the king in the city of Coria. From there the army left together and laid siege to a castle. called Portillo, which were a Sierra not far from Ceclavin. They beat him for combat and captured more than two hundred Moors in it." According to sources, the castle had an Arab and Christian population until 1386.

Portezuelo Castle, also known as Marmionda Castle, is an ancient fortress located in the municipality of Portezuelo, in the province of Cáceres. The construction of the castle dates back to the 12th century. During this time, the Almohads invaded al-Andalus (1147), putting an end to the Almoravid empire. In 1167, the Christian king of León, Ferdinand II, conquered the castle and gave it to the Knights Templar. However, in 1196, the Almohads recovered it. Finally, in 1213, Alfonso IX of León definitively reconquered it and handed it over to the Order of San Julián del Pereiro, later known as the Order of Alcántara. Throughout its history, the castle underwent various renovations, the 16th century being the last of some importance. Unfortunately, it was abandoned in the second half of the 17th century.

Just outside of Portezuelo is the Castillo de Portezuelo. It dates from the 12th century and can be seen from many kilometers away.

Mirabel Castle was built in the 15th century on Cerro del Acero, which is why it is also known as the Peña del Acero castle. It is currently very deteriorated and only a few vestiges can be seen, such as a large brick vault and some walls.

Dominating the valley and the town of Portezuelo below, the 12th-century castle of Marmionda can be reached via a gravel road for spectacular views of the town.

Torrejoncillo is a small and charming typical Extremadura town with a nice square, small narrow streets and beautiful festivals.

The origin of the castle of Mirabel or Peña del Acero dates back to the 15th century. Now it is for the most part in ruins. The views of the surroundings from this point are spectacular.