This colossus, also known as Encomienda Palace because that is what it was for the Order of Alcántara, is a textbook example of a historical collage. It began as a keep and ended up becoming a Renaissance palace. The fact is, its history is a real soap opera of sieges and feudal lords who took their security very seriously.

It is sturdy and stately, with its 13th-century walls; you soon realise that, amidst wars, surveillance and the odd border scare, the castle became Brozas’s official bodyguard. And, mind you, it was rather good at its job. As for its history, the town – which has plenty to offer – has been declared historic site for its medieval town centre, the castle in question, the religious architecture and stately homes everywhere.