ANOTHER VISIT TO THE HAUNTING CASTILLO DE AZAGALA

We have been having quite a lot of rain which is great to fill up our water resources, there are sunny days in between and of one of these we decided to re-visit the Azagala castle near Albuquerque.

It takes about 1 1/2 hours to reach the rough track that crosses stunning countryside. We parked the car and continued on foot which adds to the anticipation as one approaches the very distant blur on a craggy eminence, past the tranquil lake that lies in the valley below  and then a steep ascent to below the castle walls and entry through a small arch, we capture the castle!

Climbing up stone spirals on to the roof of the tour de ménage, clambering through the ancient stables with massive stone mangers, into the chapel with remains of font and altar, up to the bell tower, a perilous walk along a more modern glassed balcony, a massive billiard table abandoned in the ruins, it manages to look forlorn despite its bulk, the slate top still dead level but the green baize long rotted, what stories it could tell of long ago summer evenings with a breeze cooling the señoritos (http://dictionary.reverso.net/spanish-english/se%C3%B1orito)   as they enjoy their romantic castle, maybe circa 1920s- 30s before the cataclysmic civil war and its aftermath.
There are stunning views in all directions, griffon vultures wheel around the heights and squat on the crags below in a rocky gorge with a stream that feed the lake.