Castillo de Almodóvar del Río: A Historic Fortress in Córdoba, Spain

Visitor Information

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Official Website: castillodealmodovar.com

Country: Spain

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río stands on El Redondo hill in the province of Córdoba, Spain. Its origins trace back to a Roman military camp, or castrum, established on this strategic elevation. Before the Roman presence, the site likely hosted an Iberian-Turdetani fortified settlement called Cárbula, known from Pliny the Elder’s writings. This oppidum was notable in the 2nd century BC for its pottery production, local silver mining, and minting of its own coins.

In the 8th century, the fortress was rebuilt by the Umayyad Arabs around 740 AD and named al-Mudawar, meaning “round” or “secure.” This name influenced the modern town’s name, Almodóvar. The castle formed part of the Emirate and later the Caliphate of Córdoba, serving as a defensive stronghold from the 8th through the 10th centuries.

During the 11th century, control of the castle shifted between the Taifa kingdoms of Carmona and Seville. It was later reintegrated into Córdoba’s domain under the Almoravid dynasty and subsequently came under the Almohad rulers based in Seville during the 12th and 13th centuries.

In 1240, King Ferdinand III of Castile incorporated the castle into the Castilian crown. Three years later, he granted it to Córdoba’s municipal council. Alfonso X, his successor, established territorial boundaries around the castle in 1267. The fortress served as a royal residence in the 14th century for monarchs Pedro I and Enrique II.

The 15th century saw the castle linked to noble families such as Baena and Cabra. In 1513, it was used as collateral to acquire the nearby town of Fuente Obejuna but eventually returned to royal ownership. In 1629, King Felipe IV sold the castle and town to Francisco del Corral y Guzmán, creating a seigniory.

Between 1901 and 1936, the castle underwent extensive restoration led by architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova, commissioned by Rafael Desmaissieres y Farina, the 12th Count of Torralva. This work aimed to revive the castle’s medieval character after it had fallen into ruin. Restoration halted with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Ownership later passed to the Solís family, who have held it since 2001.

In recent times, the castle has served as a filming location for television series such as Game of Thrones (season 7) and Warrior Nun (2020).

Remains

The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río is a fortress of Andalusian origin built atop a Roman castrum. It occupies El Redondo hill, which rises 218 meters above sea level, providing commanding views of the surrounding plains and the town below.

The castle’s most prominent defensive structures include three main towers: the Cuadrada (Square Tower), the Redonda (Round Tower), and the Torre del Homenaje (Keep). These towers form key points in the fortress’s medieval fortifications.

Constructed primarily with stone and masonry typical of Andalusian military architecture, the castle underwent several medieval modifications. Its current well-preserved state results largely from the early 20th-century restoration led by Adolfo Fernández Casanova. Before this restoration, the fortress was in ruins.

The restoration sought to recover the castle’s medieval appearance, respecting its historical layout and defensive features. Today, the castle stands as a largely intact example of a fortified hilltop settlement, with its walls, towers, and keep maintained in good condition.