Maria had never heard of Castillo de Zafra until her teenage son became obsessed with finding it. He’d spent hours scrolling through Google Maps, zooming in on the Spanish countryside, muttering about “the Tower of Joy” and something called Westeros. When he finally convinced her to drive there on a Sunday morning, she expected another disappointing tourist trap.
Instead, she found herself standing on a windswept plateau, staring at a castle that seemed to defy gravity itself. Perched impossibly on a narrow ridge of red sandstone, it looked like something a child might draw – all vertical lines and medieval defiance against the endless sky.
“This is it, Mom,” her son whispered, pulling out his phone to take photos. “This is where everything changed in Game of Thrones.” That’s when Maria realized she wasn’t just looking at an old building. She was witnessing how a forgotten piece of Spanish history had become part of global pop culture.
When Hollywood Discovered Spain’s Best-Kept Secret
The Game of Thrones castle that captivated millions of viewers worldwide sits about 210 kilometers from Madrid, near the small village of Campillo de Dueñas in Guadalajara province. Castillo de Zafra, as locals know it, became famous as the Tower of Joy in HBO’s epic series – the mysterious location where some of the show’s most crucial scenes unfolded.
- This Great Banyan Tree Fooled Drivers for Years—What They Discovered Underneath Will Amaze You
- Archaeologists just uncovered Alexander the Great’s lost city after 1,200 years buried in desert sand
- This innocent wall gadget steals more electricity than your fridge—and you touch it daily
- Madrid researchers unlock the secret paths of Europe’s most mysterious migrating birds
- Aragonese falconry expert reveals why the deadliest hunters never actually win
- Madrid couple bets everything on tiny village to build Spain’s best rural house in 2025
But this medieval fortress has a story that predates dragons and fictional kingdoms by centuries. Built in the 12th century, it served as a strategic watchtower during the Reconquista, when Christian kingdoms fought to reclaim territory from Muslim rule.
“The castle’s design is purely functional,” explains Dr. Carmen Rodriguez, a medieval architecture specialist at Universidad Complutense Madrid. “It wasn’t built for comfort or ceremony. Every stone was placed with defense in mind.”
The structure rises dramatically from a natural sandstone formation, its walls seeming to grow directly from the rock itself. From a distance, it’s almost impossible to tell where the cliff ends and the castle begins.
The 30,000 Peseta Purchase That Changed Everything
The most remarkable part of this story isn’t the castle’s television fame – it’s how close it came to disappearing entirely. In 1971, when Spain was still emerging from decades of isolation, Antonio Sanz made what seemed like an odd investment.
Sanz, a local resident with deep roots in the area, purchased the crumbling medieval fortress for just 30,000 pesetas. To put that in perspective, that amount equals roughly 180 euros in today’s money – less than most people spend on a weekend getaway.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Castle purchased for 30,000 pesetas | Saved from complete ruin |
| 1980s-2000s | Gradual restoration work | Structure stabilized |
| 2016 | Featured in Game of Thrones | Global recognition achieved |
| 2017-Present | Tourism boom begins | Local economy impacted |
“Nobody understood why he wanted that old ruin,” recalls Miguel Torres, a longtime Campillo de Dueñas resident. “Most young people were leaving for the cities. Here was Antonio, investing in something that looked ready to fall down.”
Sanz spent decades slowly restoring the castle, working mostly with his own hands and modest funds. He reinforced crumbling walls, cleared debris, and maintained access paths. What started as one man’s stubborn attachment to local history became the foundation for international fame.
The Game of Thrones production team discovered Castillo de Zafra through aerial scouting footage. They were searching for a location that could represent the mythical Tower of Joy – isolated, dramatic, and virtually untouchable.
From Medieval Fortress to Fantasy Icon
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. When HBO’s location scouts first identified the castle, it still required significant preparation for filming. The production brought in specialized equipment, constructed temporary access roads, and carefully coordinated with local authorities.
“The filming process was incredibly respectful,” notes local historian Elena Vega. “They understood they were working with an authentic medieval structure, not a movie set.”
The castle appeared in Season 6 of Game of Thrones during flashback sequences revealing Jon Snow’s true parentage. These scenes, though brief, became some of the most discussed moments in the entire series. Suddenly, fan websites were publishing driving directions to a remote Spanish village that most Spaniards had never heard of.
Key features that made Castillo de Zafra perfect for the show include:
- Natural isolation on a rocky outcrop
- Authentic medieval architecture
- Dramatic 360-degree views
- Minimal modern intrusions in the surrounding landscape
- Unique vertical profile against the skyline
The Unexpected Tourism Revolution
Today, what was once Spain’s quietest castle receives thousands of visitors annually. The narrow country roads leading to Campillo de Dueñas now regularly see cars with foreign license plates and rental agency stickers.
Local businesses have adapted quickly. The village’s single restaurant now serves “Tower of Joy” themed meals, and a small gift shop sells Game of Thrones memorabilia alongside traditional regional products.
“We’ve had visitors from Japan, Australia, even Iceland,” says Ana Morales, who runs the village’s tourism information point. “They come with photos from the show, asking for the exact spots where scenes were filmed.”
The economic impact extends beyond souvenirs. Rural accommodation in the area has seen booking rates increase by over 300% since the show aired. Photography workshops, medieval history tours, and hiking expeditions now regularly use the castle as their centerpiece.
However, this sudden fame brings challenges. The castle’s remote location means limited parking and no public transportation. On busy weekends, the narrow access road can become congested with tourist vehicles.
“We’re learning to balance preservation with accessibility,” explains local mayor Carlos Ruiz. “This is still a working agricultural area with a medieval monument that needs protection.”
FAQs
How do I get to the Game of Thrones castle from Madrid?
Drive northeast on the A-2 highway toward Guadalajara, then take rural roads to Campillo de Dueñas. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by car.
Can you visit inside the castle?
The interior is not currently open for regular public tours due to safety concerns, but you can walk around the exterior and enjoy spectacular views from the base.
When is the best time to visit Castillo de Zafra?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and clearest views. Early morning visits help avoid crowds and provide the best lighting for photography.
Are there other Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain?
Yes, Spain hosted several Game of Thrones locations, including Seville’s Real Alcázar, Girona’s medieval quarter, and various sites in Andalusia.
How much does it cost to visit the castle?
There’s no admission fee to view the castle from the outside, though parking donations are appreciated to help maintain access roads.
What facilities are available for visitors?
Basic facilities are limited. Bring water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes. The nearest restaurants and restrooms are in Campillo de Dueñas village.