Tarifa Castle

Tarifa Castle was built in 960 by the Abd-ar-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba. When Tarifa was taken over by the king of Castile, Sancho IV in 1292, the castle was handed over to Alonso Pérez de Guzmán for its defense. Pérez de Guzmán get the nickname of 'Good' (el Bueno) by refusing to hand over the castle in 1296 to the besieging forces of the Infante Don Juan, the rebellious brother of the king Sancho, and the Marinids, in exchange for the life of his son.

Due to the castle's irregular oblong shape, some believe it was built on the remains of a Roman fort. To the east, two high towers protect the castle - one is called Torre de Guzman El Bueno; the order for the Moors to kill Guzman's son was given from here. Outside the castle you can see a statue of the king who first reconquered the town from the Moors in 1292, Sancho IV. There's a statue of Guzman himself just over the road on the Alameda.

Recently refurbished, the castle is open to visitors. The coast and mountains of Morocco are visible from its towers.

Address
Calle Guzmán el Bueno s/n, Tarifa, Spain

Established
960 AD