Some of the darkest days of the Spanish Empire are documented in the very headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. The Castle of San Jorge was a medieval fortress that fell into disuse some centuries later. That is, until it became the headquarters and prison for the Spanish Inquisition in 1481. The castle was meant to hold criminals - but some were friends of those involved in the Inquisition and instead were safe within its walls. Others suffered terrible fates in the grim conditions and the torture that awaited them.

Eventually, the castle was abandoned by the Inquisition as its walls were becoming weaker after heavy flooding. The castle was eventually pulled apart by City Hall in the 19th century and a food market grew above it and has remained until today. The archaeological remains of the castle that were excavated are now found in a museum in the ruins, telling visitors the story of what exactly happened within the walls during the Spanish Inquisition. You can get a glimpse of the rooms that the heretics were held in and you will surely leave knowing more of Spain’s history.