Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Castle · Buñol, Valencian Community
Buñol Castle
Fortress of Islamic origin, from the 11th and 12th centuries, later remodelled after the Christian conquest, at the highest point of Buñol’s town centre. It has two enceintes, the Torre Mayor, the city’s archaeological collection and a quarter of houses that are still inhabited.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Buñol Castle
Buñol’s castle occupies two rocky outcrops above the old town centre. The oldest parts date to the 11th and 12th centuries, when the place was called Bunyul, and the fortress was remodelled after Jaime I’s conquest in 1238 and in subsequent centuries, when it passed through different lords, including the Mercader family, who received the title Counts of Buñol. It is a Bien de Interés Cultural with the category of monument.
To enter, you cross a bridge overlooking the town to reach the lower enceinte. There are the Torre Mayor, trapezoidal in plan, between the two enceintes, the Gothic Palace with the Oscurico room, and the Renaissance Mercader palace, which houses Buñol’s archaeological collection, with pieces from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, the Bronze and Iron Ages and the Iberian and Roman periods.
The castle is one of the few in Spain that still has inhabited houses. At the end of the 19th century, families began to live within the enceinte, and the lower part of the southern enceinte became the Castillo quarter, with narrow whitewashed streets that are reached through the south tower gate.
The enceinte can be walked independently. The town organises guided tours with a guide specialised in local history and archaeology, and on the first Sunday of each month the castle hosts an artisan market.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the enceinte and the quarter; longer with a guided tour.
Best time
In the morning, when the light favours the view of the bridge over the town. On the first Sunday of the month there is an artisan market in the enceinte.
How to get there
On the top of the old town, on Calle Puente Castillo; it is within walking distance from the main square and the train station.
Tip
Allow time for the streets of the Castillo quarter inside the walls, and respect the privacy of the residents.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Buñol Castle
Is Buñol’s castle still inhabited?
Yes. Part of the southern enceinte forms a quarter of inhabited houses, the Castillo quarter, and there are houses leaning against the northern enceinte walls.
What is inside Buñol’s castle?
The Torre Mayor, the Gothic Palace and the Mercader palace with the archaeological collection.
Are there guided tours of Buñol’s castle?
Yes, the town organises guided tours throughout the year. Confirm dates and book at the tourist office before you go.