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.

References:

Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

User Reviews

Claire Elliott (3 months ago)
You can't get much more castle-y...If you asked someone to draw a castle, it would look exactly like this! Although it originally dates back to the 8th (?) Century, most of it is a more modern restoration. However, they've really made an effort to make it a fun visit for all ages, with exhibits on the history and restoration of the castle, actors in costume, and beautiful views from every angle. Game of Thrones fans will recognise it as High Garden. Being an old castle, there are a lot of steps, so it's not really suited to prams or anyone who might struggle going up and down a lot, but there is a picnic area where you can take a break. It's a great trip out of Córdoba on a nice day.

Andrea Röell (5 months ago)
Gorgeous reconstructed castle on top of a hill. Makes the imagination go in overdrive how it must have been like in it’s original state. How I wish to be a child again on a school trip to such a location, that would have been the experience of a lifetime. Very photogenic, with amazing views from the different towers overseeing the landscape.

Peter Rossen (7 months ago)
Beautifully renovated castle with great views. Direct bus from Córdoba runs very infrequently so plan your day before you visit! Buses may arrive up to 5 minutes early so be at your stop early on the way home if you don’t want to miss it. For the best experience, I’d do some research on Andalusian history to put the place in context.

sssjoe (7 months ago)
There is parking at the top if it is not too busy so drive all the way up if u can. It's an amazing place to tour, well worth the effort to get there. If you are a Game of Thrones Fan it's a castle that was featured on the show.

S5hjwb bey (8 months ago)
Fantastic castle, rebuilt during 37 years by its owner. A very good excursion to make. Great views

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