Castillo Almodovar del Rio — Attraction in Almodóvar del Río

Castillo Almodóvar del Río rises dramatically above the town of Almodóvar del Río in the province of Córdoba, Spain, commanding sweeping views of the Guadalquivir River and the surrounding countryside.

Its origins trace back to the 8th century, when the current structure was built by the Arab Umayyads atop an earlier Roman fortification. Over the centuries, the castle played a pivotal role in the region’s defense, witnessing the passage of multiple civilizations, including Islamic and Christian rulers.

It was a stronghold of the Caliphate of Córdoba, later passing to various Taifa kingdoms and the Almohad Empire, before being conquered by Christian forces under Fernando III in the 13th century.

The castle’s architecture is a striking blend of Islamic and medieval Christian influences, with imposing towers such as the Cuadrada, Redonda, and Homenaje. Its thick walls, battlements, and dungeons evoke a sense of both grandeur and foreboding, having once housed royal treasures and notable prisoners.

The fortress underwent significant restoration in the early 20th century, led by Rafael Desmaissieres, 12th Count of Torralva, and architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova, returning it to its former glory while preserving its historical authenticity.

Visitors to Castillo Almodóvar del Río are treated to a remarkably well-preserved monument where history comes alive. The panoramic vistas from its ramparts are breathtaking, offering glimpses of the fertile plains and, on clear days, even Córdoba itself.

The castle is renowned for its immersive theatrical tours, where actors bring legendary figures and dramatic episodes from its past to life, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Its cinematic allure was recognized internationally when it served as the filming location for Highgarden and parts of Casterly Rock in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

The approach to the castle, whether by minibus or a scenic walk from the village, adds to the sense of anticipation. Once inside, the blend of historical ambiance, stunning views, and engaging storytelling make it a highlight for history enthusiasts, families, and fans of medieval architecture.

The nearby village of Almodóvar del Río complements the visit with its Andalusian charm, making the castle not just a monument but a gateway to the layered history and culture of...

The town of Almodovar del Rio, situated in the province of Cordoba, played an extremely important role in the city’s defence 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.

In the 19th century, Almodovar del Rio was known as Almudawar Al-Adna, while the castle was called the Castillo de Almudawar. 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...

I think it was the moment when I saw a dozen ridiculous conan-the-barbarian style swords mounted on the wall outside in the weather each with their own little period-denoting labels that I realized this was not actually all that historical. This castle, built buy a rich dude in the 1900s, is more of a theme park than a monument.

Now, this wouldn't be an issue if they hadn't plastered the word "historical" all over the website, and upon visiting you can even view photos of the original ruin that actually sat on the hill...before it was bulldozed and replaced with this lackluster facsimile. I would have preferred to visit that, tbh.

After having visited actual historical monuments over the past few weeks, the empty, unadorned rooms and basic architecture of this castle are painfully apparent.

But hey. It's still an impressive structure and you get a good view and the kids will probably be...