I visited Butrón Castle and I can tell you that it is a stunning medieval castle located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The castle was built in the 13th century and has a rich history, having been owned by various noble families throughout the centuries.
Upon arriving at Butrón Castle, I was struck by its impressive appearance. The castle sits on a hilltop surrounded by lush green forests, and its turrets and towers give it a grand and imposing presence. I could imagine what it must have been like to live in the castle during medieval times.
As I approached the castle, I was amazed by the intricate details of the stonework and the large wooden doors. I learned that the castle was extensively renovated in the 19th century by its then-owner, the Baron of the House of Butrón. The baron transformed the castle into a romantic, medieval-style fortress complete with turrets, crenellations, and a drawbridge.
Bob Mudford, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Inside the castle, I was equally impressed by the lavish decoration and grandeur of the rooms. I could see how the castle was designed to be both a stronghold and a luxurious residence for its owners. The castle features a chapel, an armory, and even a dungeon. I learned that Butrón Castle played an important role in the history of the region, having been fought over and occupied by various factions throughout the centuries.
Enekochan, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It also has a stunning exterior.
In fact, it would be extremely inconvenient as a residence due to the castle’s exterior connections and the limited space provided by the towers, which are not particularly suited to the wet Basque climate.
The park that surrounds the building is filled with palms and exotic plants. According to what she said in an interview with David Ferald of the BBC, getting married in this fairy tale castle was Kate Middleton’s dream.
Ibai78, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
After a period of neglect, it was renovated and made accessible to the general public. This didn’t work, so the building was closed to visitors, but the grounds were still open. The building was purchased by INBISA (Grupo Empresarial) in November 2005 for 1,629,743 euros, but it is still protected by Spanish law 16/1985 for historic buildings in Spain.
My experience visiting Butrón Castle was truly unforgettable. I was fascinated by the history and architecture of the castle, and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside made for a truly picturesque setting. The castle also hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year, which added to the overall experience. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a unique and memorable experience in the Basque Country.
