Set high above the Guadalquivir, Almodóvar del Río Castle commands the valley with storybook silhouettes and battle-hardened walls. Born a Moorish fortress in the 8th century and reshaped by Castilian kings, it blends Islamic grace with Gothic grit. Climb its towers, wander dungeons and the Patio de Armas, and let sweeping views carry you back through sieges, royal intrigues, and modern film magic.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Almodóvar del Río, Andalusia, Spain
🏗️ Construction Period: c. 756 – 14th century; major restoration in the early 20th century
🏰 Architectural Style: Moorish (Almohad), Mudéjar, and Gothic military architecture
🎭 Famous For: Strategic hilltop fortress, Homage Tower and dungeons, Christian conquest of 1226, royal imprisonments, Game of Thrones filming (Highgarden and Casterly Rock)
👑 Notable Figures: Fernando III ‘The Saint’, Alfonso XI, Pedro I ‘The Cruel’, Enrique II, Doña Juana de Lara, 1st Duke of Benavente
🏆 UNESCO Status: No
🌐 Official Website: https://castillodealmodovar.com/
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Historical Context
Raised around 756 as a strategic outpost, the castle anchored Muslim control of the Guadalquivir valley. Christians seized it in 1226, presenting the keys to Fernando III, and over the next centuries Castilian monarchs—Alfonso XI, Pedro I, and Enrique II—reinforced its towers, walls, and keep. It functioned as both bulwark and occasional royal residence; its dungeons held figures like Doña Juana de Lara and the 1st Duke of Benavente. The complex, today covering roughly 5,628 square meters, preserves features such as the Homage Tower, cisterns, and the Patio de Armas. A meticulous restoration in the early 20th century revived its medieval profile. In 2017, the fortress stepped onto the screen in Game of Thrones, doubling as Highgarden and Casterly Rock.
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Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: April, May, late September, and October
🗺️ Location Perks: From the battlements, the Guadalquivir valley unfolds in cinematic fashion. Combine your visit with Córdoba’s Mezquita and the ruins of Medina Azahara for a full day of Andalusian history.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the castle and its grounds.
💡 Visiting tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water—the hilltop can be windy and the stone steps uneven. Book a guided or dramatized tour in advance to unlock hidden details and avoid peak-hour lines.
