The castle served as a temporary residence for Hernán Cortés before he departed for his expeditions in the Americas.
It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
The white marble columns in the central courtyard were transported from Genoa, Italy, during the 16th century.
The original layout of the fortress includes a unique pentagonal tower shape not commonly found in other regional castles.
Its construction began in 1437 under the direction of Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa.
The Castle of Zafra, also known as the Alcázar de los Duques de Feria, is a 15th-century fortress currently operating as a Parador hotel. It retains a distinct military appearance with nine towers, including the iconic Torre del Homenaje, despite its conversion into a luxury lodging. The structure was built upon the remains of a previous Arab fortress, serving historically as the seat of the Dukes of Feria. Visitors can observe a mix of Gothic and Mudéjar architectural elements in the interior courtyard. The walls enclose a large Renaissance-style cloister that serves as the central hub of the complex. It is located in the town of Zafra, which is historically significant as a center for trade in the Extremadura region.
The central Renaissance cloister, specifically from the ground level to capture the symmetrical marble arches.
Visitors who are not hotel guests can still enter the lobby and the central courtyard to view the architecture.
Look for the coat of arms of the Dukes of Feria carved into the stonework of the main gate.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica for historical context.
Do not attempt to access guest rooms or restricted private zones of the hotel without a reservation.
Maintain a quiet tone in common areas as it is a functioning hotel.
