In the late 14th century, King Juan I of Castilla used it as a prison during 8 years for Prince Alfonso, until the former’s untimely, kingly death, falling off his horse.
In 1809, during the Independence War, a battle took place nearby between the Spanish under General Venegas, and French forces led by Sebastiani and Napoleon’s brother José Bonaparte. As a result, the castle was taken by the French and partly destroyed.