It is estimated that in Spain there are around 10,000 castles and fortresseswhich demonstrates the high cultural and monumental value that our country houses. Thus, they are the living reflection of the history who experienced their walls in forms of battles, betrayals or events essential for the future of Spain. Added to this is his artistic valuesince many are unique architectural examples in the world that mix various styles.
But it is not only that, because many others were losing its original function and have been converted into museums, institutional buildings, art galleries or even hotels. So much so, that in the beautiful city of Toledoon the right bank of the Tagus River and very close to the Alcántara bridge, the castle of San Servando is located. This is located at the top of a hill with the same name, witnessing various stages in the history of the city, from medieval times to the present. In turn, today it has been converted and enabled to be a youth hostel.
The analysis of the material remains found suggests that the Castle of San Servando It has its origins in a construction from the Islamic period. This may be related to the fortifications of Toledo mentioned in Islamic sources, especially the one that was in the Alcantara Bridgewhich played a key role in controlling the city. After the capture of Toledo by the Muslims, the king Alfonso VIin 1088, chose this location in front of the bridge to found a monastery dedicated to the saints Saint Servand and Germanhence the name of the castle.
Likewise, throughout its history, the castle passed through various hands. It was property of the Toledo Cathedral and of the Alcaldíauntil, due to its deterioration, the State He acquired it in 1874 and declared it national monument. Despite this protection, the castle continued to suffer neglect for several decades. It wasn’t until [1945 when he began his reconstructionwhich lasted until 1958, restoring the structure and turning it into a junior school y hostel university.
During the restoration, the original layout of the castle was respected. The exterior perimeter that was still preserved, belonging to the building built at the end of the 14th century, was used and its interior was rebuilt from scratch. Likewise, the castle is built in masonry and stands out for the use of red brick in the crowning of its towers and walls, especially on the southern side.
As for its architecture, it has a rectangular plan, oriented from south to north. In three of its corners there are hollow circular towersone of them large. In addition, on the south side there is another intermediate tower. In the towers are preserved matacanas of brick, supported by stone corbels wavy, and with a lobed ornamental arch on its front part.
Likewise, at the main entrance it is located in a keep on the north façade, which is reminiscent of the great albarrana tower of the Cushion already Gate of the Sun. However, currently the main door is located on the east façade of the castle, where access to the castle has been enabled. youth hostel that currently occupies the building.
