Villalonso Castle: A Spanish⁢ Fortress Fit for Hollywood ‍Royalty

Villalonso, Spain – When filmmakers seek a dramatic ⁣backdrop for⁢ their outdoor productions, they often turn to grand, historical settings. The creators of the ⁣film classic “Robin and‌ Marian,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Sean ​Connery,‌ were ‌no exception, choosing a spectacular medieval castle in⁤ the small⁤ Spanish town of Villalonso as a ⁢key location.

Hollywood’s‌ fascination with Spanish locations is well-documented. ‍However, the choice of Villalonso Castle for “Robin and Marian,” directed by Richard Lester in 1976, stands out. Originally titled “the‍ Death of⁤ Robin Hood,” columbia pictures opted for a more commercial title. The film also ⁤marked Audrey Hepburn’s return to​ the screen after an eight-year hiatus.

In “Robin and ⁣Marian,” Sean ⁣Connery portrays Robin Hood, ‌returning from the ⁤Crusades to find a corrupted world.Lady Marian, played by Audrey Hepburn, has retreated ⁤to a convent. Their reunion is certain, but their world ⁤has irrevocably changed.

While filming took place ‌in several regions of⁢ Spain, including Navarra (Artajona, Urbasa, Quinto Real, and the Orgi Forest), the medieval castle in Villalonso, zamora, remains the most recognizable location.

Villalonso: A town Rooted in‍ Medieval History

The⁢ origins of Villalonso trace back to‌ the Middle Ages,during ‌the repopulation efforts‍ of the leonese kings in Alfoz Toresano.⁢ In 1147, King Alfonso VII of León granted Villalonso its own laws,⁢ jointly with Benafarces.A decade later, the town appeared in a donation to the diocese of‌ Zamora by Count Osorio and his wife Teresa on April 16, 1159, during the reign of ‍Fernando II of León.

From the Leonese Cortes of 1188, ​Villalonso was represented by the​ city of Toro in the ⁤Cortes, later integrating into the province‍ of toro.

The Lordship of Villalonso was established in​ 1412, held ⁢by Pedro Yáñez de Ulloa after purchasing ⁢the Villas de Villalonso and Benafarces from Sánchez de Benavides for 2,000 gold florins. In 1599, the lordship was ⁢elevated to a county, with Juan Gaspar de Ulloa becoming the first Count of⁢ Villalonso.In ⁤1833, during the creation of the modern provinces, Villalonso was incorporated into the province of ⁤Zamora.

Villalonso Castle: A 15th-Century Marvel

Located⁤ a few kilometers from the town,‌ the Villalonso Castle was constructed in the 15th century, following the architectural style of the Valladolid School, on the site⁣ of a previous structure from 1235 belonging to the ‍Order of ⁣Calatrava.

The ulloa family,specifically Juan ⁢de Ulloa and his‍ wife maría de Sarmiento,rebuilt the castle‍ in the 15th century. The family’s support for Juana La Beltraneja⁤ against the Catholic Monarchs led to the loss of the castle and​ several of their estates.

The⁢ castle’s⁢ walls are built of masonry stone, with ⁢the corners reinforced with cubes. Matacanes are supported by cylindrical ‍bases, ⁢with garitones rising above them. The tower of homage, featuring battlements and matacanes, stands on the northern side. The entrance to the liza is flanked by this tower and a ⁤cube.

After Juan de Ulloa’s ⁤death and the defeat against‌ the Catholic Monarchs, María Sarmiento negotiated‌ a surrender, securing royal forgiveness and the right⁣ to retain Villalonso. Years later, her son Diego, the second lord of Villalonso, faced a similar‍ situation by siding with the⁢ “community ‍members.”⁤ Sentenced to death in 1524, he commuted the penalty by paying ‌10,000 ducats. he​ also regained his possessions,including the castle,adding it to Ulloa’s Mayorazgo in 1529.He then ordered the placement of his family’s coat of arms, ‌alongside his parents’, on the entrance door.

In the 20th century, Ángela María Téllez-Girón, Duchess of Osuna, owned the fortress.In 1976, it gained Hollywood fame as a filming location for medieval films, including “Robin and Marian.”‍ In 1979, it served as the primary setting for the Swiss film “Geburt der Hexe” (Birth of​ the Witch).

On Feb. 27, 1984, the Duchess sold the ⁢castle‍ to brothers‌ Jesús and Elizabeth Cueto Vallejo. The castle remained closed for several years untill remodeling and ‍archaeological work began in 2006, with the Historical Heritage Foundation of
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