On the first day of the new year we continued our journey towards Cádiz but before that we definitely wanted to see the special Colomares Castle which is located near Benalmádena. Although we found the gates closed due to the holiday and we could only take a few photos from outside the fence, the sight of the building still completely enchanted us. The fairytale towers of the castle and the wildly romantic mix of different architectural styles suggested even from a distance that we were in front of a completely unique creation that stands as a worthy monument to the great explorers of history.
The Castillo de Colomares is actually not a medieval fortress but a modern monument that was built by the doctor Esteban Martín Martín and two master masons between 1987 and 1994. The builder’s intention was to stand as a worthy monument to Christopher Columbus and the history of the discovery of America. The building is unique in that it combines Byzantine, Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance styles, symbolizing the cultural diversity that characterized Spain during the Age of Discovery.
Each detail of the castle has a symbolic meaning and presents an important moment of the journey of discovery to visitors. The building complex also houses the world’s smallest chapel, which is only about two square meters and has been included in the Guinness Book of Records. Among the stone carvings visible in the courtyard and on the walls, you can also discover copies of the three famous ships, the Santa María, the Pinta and the Niña, which remind you of the difficulties and triumphs of sea travel.
Although many people were skeptical about the strangely shaped walls during construction, the Colomares Castle has now become one of the most popular attractions on the Costa del Sol. The creator took great care to ensure that the building was not only spectacular but also served educational purposes, presenting the role of the Catholic Monarchs and the changing worldview of the time. The panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea from the castle garden further enhances the feeling as if we ourselves were on board a ship ready to explore unknown landscapes.
