Almodóvar del Río Castle

Almodóvar del Río, Spain

The town of Almodovar del Rio played an extremely important role in the Middle Ages owing to its strategic location on a hill around 252 metres high next to the Guadalquivir river, which at that time was navigable for small vessels. The traces of multiple cultures, amongst which are Islam and Christianity, can be evidenced in the architectural style of this unique building. In the year 756, this fortress became the estate of the Moorish Prince Al’delMalik Ben Qatan and from 758 onwards it passed into the hands of the Emirate of Cordoba in the reign of Abderraman I.

During the 10th century it was tied entirely to the Caliphate of Cordoba, going on to belong in the 10th and 12th centuries to the Taifa of Carmona, subsequently to the Taifa of Sevilla and finally to the Almohad Empire.

The Moorish King Abed Mohammed de Baeza would later die at the gates of the Castle during the 13th century in 1226, the year in which the fort fell into Christian hands having been handed over to Fernando III ‘The Saint’. Henceforth, the castle would go on to be subjected to successive extensions initiated by the Castilian Kings D. Pedro I of Castile and Enrique II of Trastamara. Meanwhile, Alfonso XI ‘The Just’ and Pedro I ‘The Cruel’ would also end up getting involved in these extensions.

The castle has played host to myriad events over the course of its history. Figures such as Doña Juana de Lara (wife of Prince Don Tello, stepbrother of King Pedro I) have been imprisoned within its walls, it has housed the treasures of Castile and its dungeons have been impenetrable witnesses to the agony of illustrious prisoners such as the 1st Duke of Benavente. Amongst other to have figured in its history are governors Don Alfonso Diaz de Vargas, Diego Fernandez de Cordova and Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordova.

Al-Mudawar Al-Adna went on to be called Almodovar del Rio, in reference to the municipality in the province of Cordoba which is home to one of the most magnificent and best kept castles in Spain.

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Founded: 8th century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ben Braun (9 months ago)
Highly recommended visit! Grand castle a short drive away from Cordoba. The castle itself is in perfect condition and invites the visitor to explore it and it's history. What is even better is the panoramic view from the castle's many towers. Of course, for fans of Game of Thrones a must visit, as it was a filming location in the series. The visit takes about 1-2 hours.
Galib Bin Mohammad (9 months ago)
One of the best middle aged castle - built by Muslims! Grand, tactical, practical, majestic! Very worthy to spend 2-3 hours. Don’t miss if you are in Cordoba.
Florin Baban (10 months ago)
No words to describe the experience. We've made a small stop while traveling from Sevilla to Cordoba with the intention of visiting the castle and eat something in the village. Huge surprise we had discovering that many scenes from the popular series GOT were filmed here. The conservation level is amazing and really worth the visit.
林卡爾 (10 months ago)
Beautiful place with beautiful views. It has a lot of historic information about the castle in English and other languages. The views from the battlements over the countryside transports you back to another time in history, it’s naturally immersive! Nice place to stop by when you’re out and about. There is a car park at the bottom of the hill and there’s one closer to the castle. It’s worth checking the one closer to the castle if you don’t fancy walking up there.
Celia Her (11 months ago)
Do check out the opening hours and days before heading there. You can drive all the way up, as there is parking available nearer to the entrance. I took a bus M-250 from Cordoba bus station, which took me 30 minutes to reach there. Love the lookout view from the various towers.
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