Castela

Castela, historically known as Castile, is a historical and cultural region of the Iberian Peninsula that centers on the central plateau of what is today Spain. The name appears in Romance languages as Castilla in Spanish and Castela in Portuguese; in English the traditional term is Castile. Castela referred to the Kingdom of Castile and, later, to the Crown of Castile, a dominant political entity during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.

Geographically, Castela covers much of the Meseta Central, with portions in present-day Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha, and touches river basins such as the Duero and the Tajo. The landscape features vast plains and high plateaus, with a climate ranging from continental to more Mediterranean influences in certain areas.

Historically, Castela originated in the Christian reconquest and the emergence of the Kingdom of Castile as a distinct polity, which expanded to include much of the Iberian interior and later joined with the Kingdom of León. The political union of Castile with Aragon in the late 15th century, through the marriage of Isabella I and Ferdinand II, is seen as a milestone in the unification of Spain. Castile also played a central role in the administration and overseas expansion of the early modern Spanish Empire.

Culture and language are closely linked to the region’s identity, with Castilian Spanish emerging and spreading from this core area. Castile contributed significantly to Spanish literature, architecture (including Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar influences), and the institutional framework of the state during the medieval and early modern periods.

Today, Castela is primarily discussed in historical and cultural contexts, with its legacy reflected in the modern autonomous communities of Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha. The term also serves as a linguistic reference to Castile in several languages.