Cordova has many castles: owing to the antiquity of many of its villages; or to its situation on the border during the conquest from the Moorish; or to the vigour of its nobles or because a considerable part of its strongholds is still in the hands of the nobility. As an example, there is the castle of Almodóvar, standing on a steep slope over the Guadalquivir with its eight imposing towers on foundations that go back very far, with Moorish features, rebuilt by the Christians and restored in this century. Before reaching Cordova, we come to the 15th c. monastery of San Jerónimo, with a Gothic courtyard.
The Castle of Almodóvar del Río, originally a Roman fort, was transformed into a fortress by the Arabs in the 8th century. It played a crucial role during the Middle Ages, undergoing several renovations. In the 14th century, it was restored by Alfonso XI and later by Rafael Desmaissières, the 12th Count of Torralva, between 1901 and 1936. The castle's strategic location on a hill next to the Guadalquivir River made it a significant defensive structure. It also served as a filming location for the 7th season of Game of Thrones, representing Highgarden and parts of Casterly Rock.
In Córdoba, we may take a look at the remains of the 14th c. Alcázar of the Christian Kings that for centuries was the headquarters of the Inquisition, and the 14th c. mudéjar Tower of La Calahorra.
From this capital of the caliphate, we take the road upwards towards Los Pedroches, of old the pass to the plateau, and before Espiel we come upon the ruins of the castle of El Vacar built during the caliphate.
Then we go on towards the castle of Bélmez, important during the War of Independence and in the confrontation between the liberal Riego and the Royalists.
Next, we come to the magnificent 15th c. fortresses, Belalcázar - with an imposing keep, and Madroñiz.
Credit cards accepted
