Álora Castle, Álora, Spain

Álora's castle was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. In the 5th century the castle was destroyed by the Visigoths.

The present Álora Castle was built in the 9th century by the Moorish state of Córdoba during a campaign against the Mozarabic rebel leader Umar ibn Hafsun. Later modifications in the 10th century added two enclosures. The inner enclosure was square and used as a fortress. The outer enclosure, with several towers, covered a large area of the perimeter of the hill.

During the 17th century the parish church was built on the old mosque inside Álora Castle also using one of the castle towers. The castle was damaged by the earthquake of 1680 and since then was also used as the village cemetery. The church tower still shows several bullet holes made by a squadron of French cavalry in August 1823.

From the castle you can enjoy breathtaking views of the fertile Guadalhorce Valley and the town of Álora.

User Reviews

Hamzeh Alavirad (3 years ago)
Very nice viewpoint, but hard to get there following Google Maps route suggestion. Also don't rely on the opening hours mentioned on Google.

Stephen Wood (3 years ago)
Do not try to drive up, much better to walk and immerse yourself into this authentic village. Free to enter and great views all around.

michael comerford (3 years ago)
Steep road up to it but views fantastic when up there. The opening times of the castle seem a bit hit + miss.

Scotty pojke (3 years ago)
Lovely spot to enjoy some views of the town and region. The castle itself was nice but not amazing.

Richard Lawrence (3 years ago)
Drive up the castle is beautiful. It's really skinny streets and challenging to get through. Was in a small car (hyandai i20) and struggled to fit down the road driving forward. Turning back the way you drive up is a much easier drive. Absulotely beautiful spot to watch the sunset

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Álora Castle

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