Castillo de Colomares,Benalmádena (Image: Getty)
While some travellers are happy to spend a week soaking up the sun, others prefer to dive into a destination’s history and culture.
But one woman was left laughing at herself after mistaking a popular Spanish attraction for an “ancient castle” – only to discover it’s actually far more modern than it looks.
Content creator Alisatata, known as @iam_alisatata on social media, shared how she paid just €3 (around £2.69) to visit Castillo de Colomares after relocating to Spain.
She was immediately impressed by the intricate design of the structure, which sits in the coastal town of Benalmádena — but her amazement quickly turned to disbelief when she learned the truth behind it.
Despite its grand, historic appearance, the building was actually constructed between 1987 and 1994, meaning it’s nowhere near as old as she had assumed.
Sharing the moment on TikTok, she joked: “Admiring this ancient castle and wondering how the ticket was so cheap… then realising it was actually built in 1994.”
The eye-catching structure isn’t a castle in the traditional sense, but a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his voyages.
Spanning around 1,500 square metres, it’s believed to be the largest monument in the world honouring the explorer — and it even contains what is said to be the smallest church on the planet.
Her video quickly caught the attention of viewers, many of whom pointed out the misunderstanding.
One person explained: “Most ancient castles have no decorations or details; they were built for defence in times of war, not to be beautiful.”
Another added: “That’s still pretty cool,” while a third wrote: “It’s not actually a medieval castle — it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus.”
Despite the mix-up, visitors say the attraction is still well worth a visit.
Reviewing Castillo de Colomares online, one person described it as an “absolutely beautiful monument” with “amazing carving work,” adding the views alone make the small entrance fee worthwhile.
Another visitor said it offered a “lovely break from the beach,” noting that while the site is relatively small, there’s plenty to take in as you explore.
A third reviewer called it an “architectural curiosity” overlooking the Costa del Sol, praising its mix of styles – from Gothic to Mudejar – and its picturesque setting.
While it may not be the ancient fortress she first imagined, it seems the unique landmark still left a lasting impression.
Source link
