Historical Introduction from the Perspective of Ruy López Dávalos

My name is Ruy López Dávalos, I was born in Úbeda in the year of our Lord 1357. For many years, I forged a successful military career, which led me to become one of the trusted individuals of the young King Enrique the third, who needed the support of the well-known nobility of service to which my family and I belonged, in order to control the anarchy, disorder, and chaos that prevailed in the Crown of Castile.

Historical Introduction from the Perspective of Ruy López Dávalos

During those years, the great noble families of the time were in conflict with each other and with the King, all vying to increase their wealth and estates. That's why His Majesty sought support from the nobility of service, ensuring the loyalty of all these families, who understood that if the monarchy was strong, we would be strong as well.
In exchange for our loyalty, the King couldn't grant us titles, but he did provide us access to income, territories, lordships, towns, and privileges. So, in 1393, Enrique the third separated 1200 square kilometers belonging to the council of Ávila, located in the southern part of the province, and turned it into six royal towns, among which was the town of Arenas de las Ferrerías with Ramacastañas.

Historical Introduction from the Perspective of Ruy López Dávalos

As the lord of the town of Arenas, in 1395, I ordered the construction of this palatial-style fortress castle with the intention of making it my residence outside the court and showcasing my power to all my vassals, by building a residence worthy of my influence.
It consists of a large square with sides of 51 meters and corner towers of 16 meters in height. All the towers and buttresses are crowned with battlements. To the imposing north, the Tower of Homage rises, standing at 27 meters in height, to reinforce security. It is defended by machicolations, like a balcony with a parapet. In its walls, Gothic windows with pointed arches and Mudéjar-style windows with horseshoe arches and octagonal columns open; all emphasized with a surround.

Historical Introduction from the Perspective of Ruy López Dávalos

Inside, there is nothing left to compare with what once existed. The courtyard was a hub of kitchens, stables, blacksmiths, and warehouses. If you look at the walls, you can still see the openings that held the beams of the second floor, where our private chambers, bedrooms, and latrines were located.