Castillo del Rey
Medieval castle in San Vicente de la Barquera, now an exhibition hall, with a permanent display on the history of the town and views from the battlements.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Castillo del Rey is the main defensive remnant of San Vicente de la Barquera. It was built around the 13th century: the town's official website dates it to 1210, after the town was granted its charter by Alfonso VIII, although tradition traces it back to the repopulation by the Asturian king Alfonso I in the 8th century. It stands on top of the promontory, on the climb up from the quay, and overlooks the estuary. It has an elongated plan, thick walls and two towers.
The kings of Castile reserved lordship over the castle and temporarily granted its governorship to whomever they pleased, until in 1453 John II entrusted its custody to the townspeople, in the person of their procurator general. The castle was part of the medieval fortified enclosure of the town, together with the town walls.
After careful restoration, its rooms were adapted to host exhibitions, performances and other cultural events. Today it houses a permanent exhibition on the history and nature of San Vicente, with panels, models, pieces and historical documents of the town. From the battlements you can see the Puente de la Maza, the harbour and the salt marshes, and on clear days the Picos de Europa.
Highlights
- Battlements with views of the Puente de la Maza, the harbour and the salt marshes
- Permanent exhibition on the history and nature of San Vicente
- Models and panels on the history of the town
- Two towers and thick walls of the medieval defensive system
- Exhibition hall and venue for cultural events
Permanent exhibition
- Historia y naturaleza de San Vicente – Permanent exhibition with pieces and historical documents of the town, panels and models on its history and natural surroundings.
- Founded
- 1300
- Operated by
- Ayuntamiento de San Vicente de la Barquera
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
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| Reduced | €1Children |
| Children & teens | €1Rate for children. |
Admission is €2 for adults and €1 for children. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before visits end.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The castle is on the climb from the quay up to the promontory, in the historic centre of San Vicente de la Barquera.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The visit includes the exhibition rooms and the battlements. The tourist office can be reached on 942 710 797. |
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