castillo de penafiel

We admired this hilltop castle at Penafiel from afar and just had to visit it. Once there, we found that if we wanted to look through the castle we had to go on a conducted tour - cost 3.30 Euros. But they didn't tell us when we paid that the guide only spoke Spanish! So to us it was only interesting from a visual perspective. Any history, which was quite a lot, was completely lost on us. Our large group was herded through the various sections and we had to keep moving as the next group was hot on our heels. Luckily another group member spoke English and translated bits to us, but we only discovered each other towards the end of the tour. We didn't go through the museum as we had had enough by the time we were herded back to the ticket office. However, the castle itself was very well preserved and the views from the top of the surrounding countryside were amazing.

The museum is a must if you want to have a clue about the process to create wine.The Castle has expectacular views.

Great castle but you are herded around in massive groups of 100 people. Lots of waiting. Awful organisation. One of the worst tourist attractions I have been to in Spain, and I've been to lots.

In our way to the winery visits we stop at Penafiel castle located in a the top of a hill dominating all the surroundings an offering an spectacular views of the town of the same name and way more. Worth the trip up there, highly recommend this place

The castle keeps all the flavor of a medieval construction. The visit might seem a little flat, but the castle's architecture itself and it's location, gie a pretty good idea of what living in the middle ages was like. The surroundings are impressive, and last but not least, the cafeteria serves great lunches!

Sweeping views of the region are truly spectacular and reason alone to visit this castle. To be able to walk around in it, you have to take the guided tour in Spanish, but there are ample opportunities for those who don't understand the language or who are less interested in the historical aspects to wander and dream. Much of the south side of the castle now houses the wine museum but the children had no tolerance for a visit there so I didn't see it but it appeared popular and comprehensive. Later in our accommodations we found an older book on Spanish castles with photos of the unimproved site in the 1970s, which the kids found really interesting to compare to their photos. We went in the evening on a hot summer day when the cool interiors were welcome and the sun no longer so hot on the top of the towers. Parking near the entrance was sufficient, but it wasn't a particularly busy day.

This castle is located at a vantage point just behind the Town of Peñafiel. Make sure you take a good look around. We did the Protos winery tourist tour, then the castle, then went for lunch in town. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the bullfighting rink in town. Make sure you ask, otherwise you will miss it.

Well worth driving up to the Castle just for the view.Sadly did not have time to go into the museum but the castle is impressive,

THis is the provincial wine museum, but the real attraction is the fortress itself. THere is a brief guided tour (in spanish) that allows you to walk around ruins and climb narrow stone staircase, but the view is very nice. On a hot day, being inside these thick stone walls is a treat in itself.When you're done with the fortress, take time to walk around the town and visit the old churches and monasteries. If you are alert, you will find an antique and wine shop. Step into the friendly proprietor's parlor, and he will take you to a basement of an excellent wine collection of the duero region. And he has some regional almonds and cheese, too!He recommended a restaurant that served a plate of steaks that you cook on individual hot stones. Delicious!! Too bad we don't remember the name of this simple little cafe in the middle of the old town.Take care that you don't get caught in the siesta time - the city suddenly "closes down" and you are left with other fellow visitors. Too funny! Some restaurants are open, though.

This castle is set on a hill which overlooks the surrounding countryside and town of Penafiel and contains a wine museum. The views from ramparts are spectacular. Guided tours are frequent and in Spanish. The wine museum is very informative, but could probably be improved by some moving or interactive exhibits. Various packages are available, one of which includes a bodega visit, although we just did the castle and museum.

renovated into wine museum..not for those who like to scramble among ruins..you are required to join a tour to see round and therefore need a proficient level of Spanish..

This was definitely worth seeing, but the tour is in Spanish, so you need some of the language to follow. Interesting castle and has great views of the surrounding countryside.

The castle is located at the top of a very steep hill so if you have mobility problems you will need to get a taxi or transport up the hill. It is a very impressive monument and they have guided tours in Spanish. The views of Penafiel and the surrounding countryside are second to none and you can also visit the wine museum which is inside part of the castle.

Beautiful castle, lovely walk, but do not miss the rest of this gorgeous down to earth little town, including Plaza Coso, little boutiques, and for lunch I recommend the excellent and homey Molino del Palacios, an ancient water mill converted into the most cosy family restaurant, perched in centre on the river banks.

Pasamos por Ribera de Duero, visitando bodegas y nos llamó la atención el castillo arriba de Peñafiel.Cuando fuimos , el Museo del Vino, estaba en refacciones, pero estuvo interesante la visita.Hay que tener presente que cierra los mediodías