Almodóvar Castle
The Greatest Private Restoration
Although its foundations date back to Roman times and its main structure is of Berber origin (year 740), what you see today is the result of the greatest private restoration in the history of Spain.
At the end of the 19th century, the Count of Torralva decided to dedicate his life and fortune to rebuilding it. The works lasted 36 years, saving the local economy and leaving us this architectural jewel.
Secrets and Curiosities
Its current appearance hides fascinating secrets that mix medieval military history with 20th-century romanticism.
A superposition of three eras: Roman base, Andalusi fortress (8th century), and neo-Gothic recreation (20th century). Few castles show such an evident historical “palimpsest”.
Icon of the 7th season. It was Highgarden (House Tyrell) and the dungeons of Casterly Rock. The actors highlighted its impressive preservation.
It is said that the ghost of Princess Zaida wanders the walls searching for her lost husband. This legend today inspires a famous medieval market.
A prison system from the time of Peter I “The Cruel”. Prisoners were thrown into a deep pit with no exit. Today it is one of the most striking points of the visit.
It was never conquered by military assault. Ferdinand III “The Saint” could only take it by hunger after a long siege, allowing the defeated to leave alive.
Peter I used it as a safe for the Crown Jewels. The legend of hidden treasures provoked illegal excavations for centuries until its restoration.
Architecture of the Fortress
The castle is a compendium of military engineering with 9 main towers. Each fulfills a vital strategic function in the defense of the fortress.
It is the heart of the fortress and the last line of defense. With its 33 meters in height, it stands separated from the rest of the precinct by a small bridge, turning it into an impregnable castle within another castle, designed to resist even if the rest of the walls fell.
Located on the eastern flank, it is one of the most evident traces of Al-Mudawar’s Islamic past. Its unmistakable horseshoe arches look towards the slope that connects with the town, recalling the era when emirs ruled these lands.
Located in the northeast corner, this two-story structure fulfilled a double function: defensive and storage. Today, its walls guard an impressive collection of siege weapon models, explaining the art of medieval warfare.
Its cylindrical shape is not accidental; it is a military innovation to deflect projectiles and avoid blind spots. Dated to the 10th century, it is one of the oldest and most solemn constructions, a silent witness to oaths of loyalty and changes of crown.
Small but vital, this tower acted as the fortress’s early warning system. Its location allowed sentries to detect enemy movements at angles that the large towers did not cover, anticipating any surprise attack attempt.
Formerly known as the Master’s Tower, it offers a dizzying view of the northern flank. Currently, it houses a photographic exhibition narrating the titanic work of the Count of Torralva, showing the “before and after” of the reconstruction.
Also popularly called “Tower of the Crumb” (Torre de la Miga), its position suggests a use linked to communication. It probably housed bells or acoustic signals to coordinate the garrison or warn the population of imminent dangers.
Despite its modest name, its function was critical: controlling the main access. Built in a late phase, it acted as a customs and guard post over the gate, filtering who had permission to enter the sacred precinct.
A perimeter reinforcement tower whose name remains a mystery. Historians speculate that it could have been near supply areas, kitchens, or forges, accumulating the waste of the garrison’s daily life.
Chronological History
The Umayyad Fortress
Over an ancient Roman fort, the Arabs build Al-Mudawar (“The Round One”). It belongs to the Emirate of Córdoba under the mandate of Prince Al-Ghamr.
Surrender to Ferdinand III
During the Reconquest, the castle does not fall by arms. It surrenders peacefully to Ferdinand III “The Saint”, becoming part of the Crown of Castile.
Peter I and the Treasure
Peter I “The Cruel” uses the castle as a royal residence and treasure chamber. It is fortified to resist during the civil war against his brother Henry II.
The House of Corral
Philip IV sells the fortress to D. Francisco de Corral y Guzmán. Since then, it has remained in the hands of the same family (today Marquises of La Motilla).
The Monumental Restoration
The XII Count of Torralva and architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova dedicate 35 years and a whole fortune to raise the castle from its ruins, restoring its Gothic-Mudejar splendor.
Westeros Scenery
The network HBO chooses the castle to recreate Highgarden (House Tyrell) in the acclaimed series “Game of Thrones”.
Image Gallery
Plan Your Visit
“Impeccably managed by the family of the Marquis of La Motilla”
Hours (Oct – Mar)
M-F: 11:00-14:30 | 16:00-19:00
S-S: 11:00-19:00
Hours (Apr – Sep)
M-F: 11:00-14:30 | 16:00-20:00
S-S: 11:00-20:00
Location
Calle Castillo, 14720 Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba
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