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 (9 months 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 (16 months 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 (17 months 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 (19 months ago)
Lovely spot to enjoy some views of the town and region. The castle itself was nice but not amazing.

Richard Lawrence (20 months 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 joiseyshowaa

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The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

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Álora Castle

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