Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba

Castle near Córdoba

Castillo De Almodovar Del Rio — Castillo de Almodovar del Rio

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Rabe!

Castillo de Almodóvar del Río is one of the must-see places in Córdoba Province, a striking medieval fortress rising above the town of Almodóvar del Río and the Guadalquivir valley. Only 22 kilometres from Córdoba, this privately owned castle offers sweeping views, dramatic towers, and immersive activities ranging from medieval reenactments to murder mystery nights. For travellers interested in military architecture, Andalusian history, or filming locations, it is one of the top attractions in Córdoba's surrounding countryside.

The castle's position on a steep hill once guarded river traffic when the Guadalquivir was navigable, and today it remains an unforgettable stop during an exploration of Córdoba's wider region, especially for those exploring Medina Azahara or the Sierra Morena.

History and Significance of Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
Things to See and Do in Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
How to Get to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
Practical Tips on Visiting Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
Where to Stay close to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
Is Castillo de Almodóvar del Río Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
Nearby Attractions to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

History and Significance of Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

The origins of Almodóvar Castle stretch back to Roman and Visigothic times, when early fortifications were built on this strategic hill. The structure seen today, however, has its foundation in the Moorish fortress of Al-Mudawwar, established around 760 as part of the broader defensive network of Al-Andalus. The location's strategic value was immense: it overlooked the Guadalquivir river and protected access to Córdoba, then one of the most important cities in the Islamic world.

In 1240, during the Christian reconquest, the castle fell to Ferdinand III “The Saint”. Under later monarchs, including Pedro I and Enrique II, it was transformed into a royal residence. Over the centuries, the site passed through noble families, including the Knight of the Order of Santiago Francisco del Corral y Guzmán, who purchased it in 1629.

The castle’s current appearance owes much to the extensive restoration undertaken between 1901 and 1936 by Raphael Desmaissiers, 12th Count of Torralva, and directed by architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova. Their ambitious work stabilised the towers, rebuilt walls, and returned the structure to a romanticised medieval grandeur still admired today.

Things to See and Do in Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

A visit to Almodóvar Castle is a full immersion into medieval life. The fortress features nine towers, each offering different views and architectural details. The most important include:

Torre Cuadrada (Square Tower): A robust defensive tower dominating the northern side.
Torre Redonda (Round Tower): With its curved walls, it served as a key lookout point.
Torre del Homenaje (Homage Tower): The tallest and most iconic, offering sweeping views over the valley.

Beyond the towers, visitors can explore the parade ground, battlement walks, cisterns, and restored chambers. Many rooms house exhibitions on the castle’s history or displays related to its Game of Thrones filming.

The castle also offers immersive activities: medieval reenactments, armour demonstrations, and themed events are held throughout the year. As a privately run site, it maintains an active calendar - check their website for current programmes.

How to Get to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

The nearest major airports are Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Seville Airport, which offer numerous international and domestic flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

Travellers can reach Córdoba by high-speed train via the AVE network, making it easy to connect to Almodóvar del Río by bus, taxi, or organised tour from the city. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, take the highway toward Almodóvar del Río; the castle sits above the town and has dedicated parking near the entrance. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

Best time to visit Almodóvar Castle: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting.
Entrance fee in Euros: Varies depending on exhibitions or special events.
Opening hours: Open daily except 25 December and 1 January; continuous hours on weekends and holidays.
Official website: Check the castle’s site for ticket prices and special activities.
How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours to explore fully.
Accessibility: Steep climbs and uneven surfaces; not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Facilities: Restrooms, a small shop, and event spaces.
Photography tip: Capture the Homage Tower from the outer ramparts with the valley spread below.
Guided tours: Available seasonally; thematic tours offered during medieval events.
Nearby food options: Several restaurants and cafés in Almodóvar del Río town below.

Where to Stay close to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

Most visitors stay in Córdoba, just a short drive away. Excellent options include Eurostars Palace, offering modern comfort with easy access to main roads. For boutique charm, consider Balcón de Córdoba, a peaceful retreat with rooftop views. Travellers who prefer countryside stays might choose Hotel Finca Los Abetos, just outside Córdoba and convenient for day trips.

Is Castillo de Almodóvar del Río Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Castillo de Almodóvar del Río is absolutely worth visiting. Its dramatic hilltop setting, fascinating history, immersive medieval activities, and role as a Game of Thrones filming site make it a standout experience near Córdoba. Whether you're a fan of architecture, fantasy series, or panoramic views, it offers a memorable journey through time.

FAQs for Visiting Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

How far is the castle from Córdoba?
About 22 kilometres, typically a 25-30 minute drive.

Can you explore the towers?
Yes, several towers are accessible, including the Homage Tower.

What was filmed here for Game of Thrones?
Scenes from the seventh season representing Highgarden and parts of Casterly Rock.

Is the castle privately owned?
Yes, but open to visitors year-round except for select holidays.

Are events held at the castle?
Yes, including reenactments, themed dinners, and special exhibitions.

Nearby Attractions to Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

Medina Azahara: The ruins of the Umayyad palace-city.
Sierra Morena: Scenic hills ideal for hiking and nature walks.
Embalse de la Breña II: A large reservoir perfect for water activities.
Almodóvar del Río town: A charming village with traditional Andalusian architecture.
Roman Bridge of Córdoba: One of the city's most iconic historic structures.

The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Córdoba!

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