Frías. Aside from being a medieval city, it has a castle with courtyard, moat, turrets, and a medieval bridge. And there were waterfalls close by. Perfect for a day trip!
Some of the rock formations on the way to Frías.There were many fields of sunflowers. Spain used to be the world’s largest importer of soybeans, for feed and oil production. In the 1990s, the government encouraged the use of sunflower seed oil to reduce the dependence on imported soybeans. Another impressive rock formation.
Not so impressive kids in the back. 😡 Nolan, shaking it loose, attempts to lighten things up, but he had a tough audience.The castle itself was built between the 12th and 15th century.It’s a bit of an uphill climb to the castle as it’s situated at the top of a very challenging rock formation for defensive purposes.If the road and stairs were not there, the castle would be pretty inaccessible.Many stairs later …We’re in the “parade grounds”, with the well just off Neil’s right. In an attack, as a last resort, a stored cache of rainwater would be released on the attackers. That’s Nolan on the way to one of the turrets. Lara is by the columns that are considered to be the oldest remains of the castle.They give an amazing view of the countryside,and the old houses below. There’s evidence that there have been landslides in the past that have destroyed houses.Climbing up into the guard tower.Neil wouldn’t fit with his bag. View from the arrow slits.The narrow walkway between the towers is protected by a crenellated parapet. On the right, behind the houses, you can see remains of more walls protecting the city.The keep tower.The kids spent a fair bit of time playing “house” with these towers.Exploring the fortifications.That shrub has been growing there for many years.Descending to the …. Moat – what did you think I was going to say? 😉Imagine trying to attack this. The fortifications are built on a tuff rock formation. Not trying to be funny here >> tuff is the technical term for “a light, porous rock formed by consolidation of volcanic ash.” The race is on between the boys.Wandering the walls.And wandering into the Church of San Vicente.Another perspective of the church. Sadly, the Romanesque portico of this church was sold and transferred to the Cloister Museum in New York.Collapse.Exploring the remains of one of the old houses.Exploring the narrow streets of the city of Frías.What a view!These are casas colgadas (hanging homes), made of tuff and wood. The houses are built on La Muela (the tooth), the rock on which part of Frías sits.We found this playground in our explorations, so of course, stayed for a while.The streets are narrow and old!!Exploring another ruin – the wood is long gone but the tuff stuff remains 🤣Exploring more of the old wallsTaking in the amazing views in general.Can you see the boys in this picture?This is the medieval Roman bridge from the 14th century that crosses the Ebro River.Smudge of orange is Nolan on the bridge. The tower is in the middle of the bridge, and was used to collect payment for use of the bridge to access the city.3.7 km at Frías (city and castle).0.5 km at the Puente de Frías
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4 thoughts on “Frías”
Frias – a study of history. Fun to see the photos.
Frias – a study of history. Fun to see the photos.
Thanks for sharing the adventure! Living history.
This is very nice.