Located in what was a strategic enclave between Christians and Muslims, the old Al-Andalus castle of Alcaudete is a proud and imposing construction set between the mountains and olive fields.
Control over it was so important that it passed between Christian and Muslim hands on a number of occasions during the Christian Reconquest of Spain. It was ceded by the Castilian Monarchs to the Military Order of Calatrava. It was these soldier-monks who built most of the castle (13th-14th century) that is preserved today.
It is constructed on a hill overlooking the town of Alcaudete, and consists of a walled polygonal area that adapts to the slopes of the hill, with seven towers: two are on the main gate, a rounded arch enclosed in a rectangular Moorish moulding (alfiz).
Inside the walls there is a high, imposing keep, which was converted in the 16th century into a palatial residence by the recently named Counts of Alcaudete, lords of the town.
Practical information
Timetables
Oct 01 to May 31
Tuesday to Friday
A 11:00 AM
A 4:30 PM
Public holidays and Weekend
A 11:00 AM
Closing days: Monday
May 01 to Sep 30
Tuesday to Friday
A 5:30 PM
Saturday to Sunday
A 11:00 AM
Rates
General: €4
Reduced: €3