Alcalá la Real Castle

Alcalá la Real, Spain

The castle of Alcalá la Real (or Fortaleza de La Mota) dates to the 13th-14th century, although some elements of the structure are older. La Mota was the last great defensive bastion before Granada as it is reached from Jaén and Córdoba. It’s conquest by Castile was very hard. In 1213, and for the first time, Alfonso VIII conquered the Almohades.

After the Christian conquest, at the beginning of the 13th century, the valuable fortress of La Mota fell once again into Muslim hands. It was not until 1341 that Alfonso XI forced the capitulation of the city through his conquest. After the conquest, Alfonso XI destroyed the Mezquita Mayor (Grand Mosque) and built, in the very same place, the first Iglesia Abacial with a Gothical style.

Its political and military importance increased during the final period of the Reconquest, in the second half of the 15th century, particularly during the 12 years in which the Catholic Kings waged war to conquer Granada. In this period, Alcalá la Real was declared “a very noble and very loyal town. Key, guardian and defender of the Kings of Castile.”

During the 18th century began the decline of the town of La Mota. A new urbanisation and repopulation program of los Llanos de Alcalá la Real started. Convents, churches and commercial areas were also built which led to an exodus of the population from the old medieval enclosure.

In 1812, Napoleonic troops burnt down the area and completely destroyed the place.

Some of the remains preserved include the abbatial church of Santa María la Mayor, a Gothic-Renaissance church (16th-17th centuries) that was abandoned, like the rest of the site, in the 18th century, when the inhabitants moved to the plain where the town is today.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John Creighton (9 months ago)
Unbelievable place and well worth the visit. So much to see one could spend hours there. Many thanks Alcala La Real.
Reynaldo Ramos (10 months ago)
Very nice place. We visited the lost city underneath the fortaleza. the guide was excellent. You also have a great views of the Sierra Nevada
Tom Casey (11 months ago)
If you are looking for a historical adventure, visit the castle and the old town. You can explore the remains of a medieval settlement and a majestic cathedral. There is a parking lot near the entrance, but be prepared to climb some stairs. You can find toilets next to the cathedral and vending machines for refreshments. Learn more about the history and culture of the place from the informative signs.
Tom (Bozz) (14 months ago)
An expansive castle, with ruins of a medieval town and a cathedral. Parking available nearby the ticket office, but quite a few steps as one would expect. Toilet facilties by the cathedral, plenty of information throughout the site. Some vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Satira Labib (15 months ago)
We had an amazing visit here. My children loved it. It's very spacious and if you go in the morning the air feels beautiful and there's not too many tourists. It's full of history from the time of the Arabs to the Christians. Absolutely stunning views from the top of the citadel. Lovely church and you go inside and can see the skeleton of it it's very interesting. This place kept us entertained. The price is cheap and you can use the ticket to go to the museum down in the center of the city. The workers are very knowledgeable and mark the map for you so it's easy to track where you are. There's also a free audio guide.
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