El Cid was here!! View on Siguenza Castle The original castle was built in the fifth century and strengthened by the Moors in 712. In 1123 it was retaken by Fernando I and El Cid and was converted into a Bishop's Palace. In the late 1800's it fell into disuse and after a restoration, which begun in 1964, it opened as a Parador twelve years later. It was quite special to spent the night in this hotel loaded with history, after a fantastic diner!!!. South of Madrid, the capitol of Spain, you have the province of La Mancha. This area has been put on the map by Don Quichote and Sancho Pancha. In September 2011 we spent a week in this area, which is not only decorated by historical windmills, but is gifted by a large number of mediaeval Castles and Monasteries. Thanks for viewing, and your lovely words on my yesterdays posting, a special thanks for those who earmarked the image as favorite; comments are always welcome. Have a very nice day, Henk