Monte Real Castle and other Bayona, Spain Things to Do Tips

The Castle is located in the Monte Real or Monte Boi peninsula. It has been known for more than 2000 years as a fortified space. Before Christus, it was a settlement for celts, phoenicians and romans.
The ancient fortress dates from the 2nd century B.C. Several major changes were made since then, by orders of Alfonso IX, King of León (12th-13th centuries) and Felipe IV, sponsor of important changes on the fortified walls.
The actual Castle mixes ancient millitary elements with modern buildings, result of the construction of the National Parador de Turismo

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Phone: (+34) 986 355 000
Address: Calle Jesús Valverde

This door dates back from the 17th century, during the reign of Felipe IV.

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This tower welcomes the visitors that approach by land and watches the ones that sail to the sea from the Bayona's Bay. Built in 1510, inside this tower there was a hidden warning bell which served as an alarm in case of enemy attacks.

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Built in 1586, It's the second barrier one has to cross after crossing the Felipe IV door.

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The Tower of the Tenaille (Torre de la Tenaza) rises to the East as a strategic defensive point and its duty was to defend the port of Bayona with artillery. During all it's history it also was used as prison and warehouse.

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This eight cannon battery was used to defend the harbour and part of it's entrance. Usually the fire from this battery was very low.

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Located in the west part of the fortress this tower stands over the bay and is probably the oldest tower. Destroyed by Almanzor in 997 it was rebuilt a few years later.
It was used to serve as lighthouse for vessels. It shows three coats of arms (the Austrias's, the Sotomaior's and the one of Bayona).
The tower has an history of legends of love and prisoners but probably it was named after the portuguese prince Afonso Henriques (later first King of Portugal) was imprisoned inside the tower.

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This battery is located in the west part of the fortress, not far from the Prince's Tower, and it was used to defend the harbour entrance along with two other batteries.

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The Fortress can be visited all through the year (admission is 1€). Amazing over the ria and the Cíes islands can be admired from the walls.
The visit to the fortress, since it's large area, can take up to 1h30m

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A Palma Park is the biggest urban park in Bayona, spread out on an area of over 10,000 square meters.
The Park is located between the Monte Real Fortress walls and the main road. The park includes gardens, stone benches, a playground, a pond, paved walks, a bandstand and a wide sports area. Its closeness to the water makes it a nice place to relax and walk.

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