Boasting a combination of Byzantine, Roman, Gothic and Mudejar architectural styles, Colomares Castle, in the Spanish town of Benalmadena is a unique monument that pays homage to explorer Christopher Columbus.

Looking at this fairy-tale castle with all its exquisite details, you could never guess it was built by a doctor with no architectural background, and two local brick layers. Esteban Martin, M.D., spent seven years working on Colombares Castle, from 1987 to 1994, trying to create a marvelous monument honoring Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. For the good doctor building the castle was a labor of love, undertaken in his spare time. He tried to combine all these different architectural styles and at the same time include various elements relating to Christopher Columbus and his historic journey, like finely carved representations of the three ships that made the trip to America. In the end, he manged to construct the largest monument dedicated to the Genovese explorer, covering an area of 1,500 square meters. At the same time, Colomares Castle made into the Guinness Book of Records for hosting the world’s tiniest chapel, just 1.96 square meters in size.

Photo: Loriana

Over the years, Colomares Castle was used as a falconry – until locals started complaining their cats were taken by the birds – then as a reptile center, and today it’s one of Benalmadena’s most popular tourist attractions. A monument to dreamers, history enthusiasts or fans of fantasy-like architecture, Colomares Castle is must-visit destination, if you’re ever in Malaga, Spain.

 Photo: Ismael Zniber

 Photo: Manuel Alqsar

Photo: Ismael Zniber 

 Photo: Lilange

Photo: V Sweet