Issue date: 19 Jul, 2004
Two stamps have been issued depicting Aguas Mansas castle, which can be found in Agoncillo (La Rioja), and the fortress at Villafuerte de Esgueva (Valladolid).
Aguas Mansas , in Agoncillo, was built during the 13 th and 14 th centuries. It rises above a rectangular base, flanked by four towers, one at each of its corners. Built in dressed stone and exuding a foreboding and sombre atmosphere, its walls surround a magnificent patio with Tuscan columns and a dungeon. Declared a National Artistic and Historic Monument in 1983, it is currently the seat of Agoncillo Town Council. Its restoration, which began in 1989, has involved a long process of reconstruction and recovery, financed by the Government of Rioja's Ministry of Culture in conjunction with Agoncillo Town Council. This stamp, which has a face value of 52 cents, depicts a view of the castle.
Villafuerte de Esgueva fortress in Valladolid was built in the 15 th century and displays the typical Castilian castle-building characteristics of the style known as the Valladolid School. These castles sprang up during the second half of the 15 th century and were all based around the same general plan, showing many similarities in their construction. This particular castle was added to in the 16 th century, and its construction culminated with the addition of the owners' coat of arms on the Homage Tower. The base of the castle is almost square with circular watchtowers at three of its corners, the fourth being marked by the Homage Tower, all surrounding an inner patio. The castle, which also has a second defensive wall, was declared a National Monument in 1931. The stamp shows a view of the Homage Tower and has a face value of 1 euro 90 cents.
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