Spanish text with audio Level B2
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Junto a la catedral, el edificio de mayor relevancia en la época medieval es el castillo. La ciudad del Medievo se levantaba en sus cercanías para servir de refugio a los habitantes en caso de ataque exterior. El castillo era casi inexpugnable para el enemigo y solía situarse en un terreno elevado, rodeado de foso, estando construido principalmente en piedra. A través de un puente levadizo se accede a la barbacana que da paso a la fortaleza.
Cruzada la puerta principal nos encontramos en el patio de armas. Desde aquí podemos contemplar la residencia señorial, la torre del homenaje, las cocinas y el salón principal, al que se accede por una triple arquería. Fuertes murallas y torres defensivas le otorgaban un aspecto inaccesible.
En el salón principal celebraba el señor sus banquetes y reuniones. La sala se organizaba a través de amplias mesas rectangulares a cuyo alrededor se colocaban bancos para asentar a los comensales. Sobre una tarima se ubicaba la mesa principal donde el señor y su familia presidían el banquete sentados en sillas. Las paredes estaban escasamente decoradas, distinguiéndose en ellas trofeos de caza, armaduras o estandartes. El suelo era de madera y el techo estaba constituido por vigas transversales también de madera.
The medieval castle
Next to the cathedral, the most significant building in medieval times is the castle. The medieval city was built near it to serve as a refuge for the inhabitants in case of an external attack. The castle was nearly impregnable to the enemy and was usually situated on elevated ground, surrounded by a moat, primarily constructed of stone. Access to the fort was through a drawbridge leading to the outer defensive wall.
Once through the main gate, you enter the courtyard. From here, you can see the lord’s residence, the keep, the kitchens, and the main hall, which is accessed through a triple archway. Strong walls and defensive towers gave it an impregnable appearance.
In the main hall, the lord held banquets and meetings. The hall was organized with long rectangular tables, surrounded by benches for the guests. The main table, where the lord and his family presided over the banquet, was located on a raised platform, and they sat on chairs. The walls were sparsely decorated, featuring hunting trophies, armor, or banners. The floor was wooden, and the ceiling consisted of wooden crossbeams.