Fortaleza de la Mota
Fortaleza de la Mota
Fortaleza de la Mota
5
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
About
Declared Heritage of Cultural Interest of Andalusia. The monumental group of the Fortress of La Mota is strategically perched on the peak of a rugged hill, 1033 m. above sea level. These features, its structure and location, enabled it to have a panoramic view, like a natural watchtower, over the surrounding area. Its most significant historic moment took place during the Islamic invasion: the Castle of La Mota was ordered to be built by the second Lord of the Kingdom of Granada "Aben-abus Ben-Zeiri", around the year 1000. The old walled city included several religious, administrative and government buildings, as well as commercial centres, and was the home of civil and ecclesiastical authorities. One of the most remarkable buildings is the citadel, built on the highest point of the enclosure, at 1033 metres above sea level. It is comprised of three towers joined by the walls that surround the bailey. The Homage tower, 20 m high, that of the Candle or the Bell, in charge of surveillance of the area in conjunction with the network of watchtowers all over the surrounding land. And lastly, the tower of La Mocha, an excellent lookout point over the city. Within the monumental group of the Fortress of La Mota, there are several themed areas explaining the concept of frontier, the way of life of its inhabitants, the role of the various areas and the relationship of the Fortress with the surrounding areas. Timetable: Autumn/Winter (15 Oct to 31 Mar): 10:00h 17:30h. Saturdays we close at 18:00h Spring/Summer (01 Abr to 14 Oct): 10:30h to 19:30h Open: Monday to Sunday Closed: 25Dic, 01Jan, 06Jan Special opening times: 24Dec, 31Dec, 05Jan: 10ºº to 14ºº hrs.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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5.0
540 reviews
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98
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2
LaJarrie
Southampton, UK495 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We planned a short visit, but two and a half hours later, admitted defeat, and said in order to see the rest we needed to return! The Fortaleza is spectacular from a distance, but so are the views when you get there, especially down to the snow covered Sierra Nevada to the South. The man at reception was really welcoming and helpful, and the QR code scan on the ticket allowed us to tour the whole Fortaleza with a spoken commentary (available in a range of languages). Sometimes this became a little annoying with the somewhat long introductory music, and would be particularly so for anyone visiting with only a short amount of time to spare. There is a regular informative audio visual display in the church that Napoleonic armies ravaged. This gives the history of main events in the Fortaleza’s history. Whilst this was in Spanish, there was a separate screen with subtitles in English (French also available) but it was a pity that these photos generally did not mirror the one on the main screen. There is a lot to see, but it is well signed, and displays were good, particularly in the apothecary and bodega. Well priced.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack S
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Couples
One of my favorite spots in Spain. The staff did a wonderful job of bringing this historic site to life through multimedia, audio and high quality interpretive stations. The staff at the ticket station are very helpful, and the small gifts and food items available for sale are unique (like the local chocolate and oils). Don’t miss the film that is shown several times each day. It’s breathtaking.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NStrudwick
Whaddon, UK160 contributions
Sept 2019
We were encouraged to visit Alcalá by our hotel owners. It is truly a remarkable place, visible from way off, in a spectacular location. I won't go into details, but the manner in which it has been restored is very sympathetic, and it has one huge advantage over other fortresses is that the walls etc of the mediaeval settlement are still there, so it is possible to see where the rest of society in the fortress lived. Very worth a visit.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koen66
Merchtem, Belgium85 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
this is an amazing place, beautiful and impressive, but so few visitors find there way to this castle on the rocks (compared to Sevilla and Granada)
The site is well restored, provides interesting explanation, ao a excellent 15 minutes video !
Also the audio guide is very useful and included in the price of only 6 euros
It is absolutely worth the drive!
The site is well restored, provides interesting explanation, ao a excellent 15 minutes video !
Also the audio guide is very useful and included in the price of only 6 euros
It is absolutely worth the drive!
Written 19 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lesleyrobinson73
Priego de Cordoba, Spain14 contributions
May 2016
We went to visit this place as we had passed it a few times. It was absolutely amazing, We have seen the Alhambra a few times and although it is much bigger than the Fortaleza we were more impressed by this. You can almost picture yourself being taken back in time. You pay 6euros which we thought was very reasonable and you get a head set (in your language) which informs you how people lived and how they were in the pecking order depending on where you were standing. Information was amazing as were the views from the top. Would definately recommend this place and we will be visiting again. Do wear sturdy shoes as the streets are cobbles and make your feet sore. I wore flat shoes and regretted afterwards.
Written 17 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
djdg1
Rugby, UK44 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
We stopped at the fortress on the way from Ubeda to Granada on a bit of a road trip. As we approached Alcala Real we saw the looming fortess atop the hill overlooking the town. It's an incredible sight from the highway and it somewhat dangerously took our eyes off the road.
Once parked its a steep walk past the ticket office to the entrance of the fort through the main gate. Inside the walls are the remains of residential areas, burial grounds, the main fortress building and a quite lovely church. The walk round the 'muralles' walls is great and all around are exceptional views of the olives and countryside and the town below.
Its a very steep climb to the top of the tower with little in the way of support. There are loads of explanations of the different areas of the site, fortunately in english, audiovisual treats in the tower and the church has a glass floor highlighting the foundations.
It really is a wonderful site which we didn't really make the most of and with a minimal (in my eyes) entry fee of 6 euros its also great value.
Once parked its a steep walk past the ticket office to the entrance of the fort through the main gate. Inside the walls are the remains of residential areas, burial grounds, the main fortress building and a quite lovely church. The walk round the 'muralles' walls is great and all around are exceptional views of the olives and countryside and the town below.
Its a very steep climb to the top of the tower with little in the way of support. There are loads of explanations of the different areas of the site, fortunately in english, audiovisual treats in the tower and the church has a glass floor highlighting the foundations.
It really is a wonderful site which we didn't really make the most of and with a minimal (in my eyes) entry fee of 6 euros its also great value.
Written 23 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo_Rose_Gum
Queensland, Australia509 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Travelling between Granada and Córdoba, our travel agent had arranged for us to visit the ruins and reconstruction of Fortaleza de la Mota a 13th/14th century outpost between the Christian and Morrish kingdoms. Very interesting to see the work on the reconstruction. Make sure you see the film in the cathedral. Recommend that this is worth a visit, not only for the history but the panoramic views.
Written 27 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FS OAL
213 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
the location is overhelming...view to sierra nevada...don't miss the film in the church...duration of visit about 1h...vety hot in summer sun
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HistorianMom
Columbia, Missouri160 contributions
Jun 2019
Seeing the castle is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. It's on a lovely location, and there is a lot remaining or reconstructed. The terrain is not difficult.
Written 26 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElenaLuciaAgnese
London, UK25 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
If you are on your route from Cordoba to Granada, do not miss this fortress. It is literally 5 minutes off your route, and it is totally worth seeking it out. It is the remains of an entire walled fortified city, which have been thoughtfully and cleverly restored. The information are really well done and there is a lot to learn, you really get a sense of what was life on the frontier. The views are also outstanding, with clear vision of some of the surroundings watch towers. A special mention to the beautiful and fascinating church (sadly partially destroyed by the Napoleon troops) with the visible graves underfloor.Try to see the video (on at certain times) in the church, it is quite evocative. With the Alhambra and the Mezquita, this is one of my best memories of Andalucia.
Written 25 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Es de las cosas en que lamentablemente uno no se fija, lo siento. Recuerdo que al principio hay una buena cuesta hasta llegar a la ciudadela, pero no recuerdo escalones, creo que todo era rampa. El mejor consejo que creo que puedo dar es que llames a alguno de estos teléfonos:
Información Turística de Alcalá la Real 953 582077
Fortaleza de la Mota 953 102717
Palacio Abacial 953 102868
Written 12 January 2020
Buenos días. Creo que si, por lo menos a todo el recinto exterior.
Written 9 April 2017
hello as my wife and i are both 78 yrs old is there any form of transport to get us near the top as walking may be too much for us
thank you
Derek
Written 2 July 2015
The car park is located at the foot of some steps up to the entrance of the fort. The steps are obviously uphill but are not too difficult, probably about 80 to 100 metres. Then there is a gently walk up to the main entrance to the fort of about another 200 metres . Once up the stairs the walk round the fort is flat and in most part accessible. There are a couple of towers which you may wish to miss out due to their difficulty but I think you would be able to manage the grounds of the fort and enjoy the atmosphere. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions just ask
Written 3 July 2015
hello my wife & i would like to visit this wonderful castle and is there any form of transport to get us near the top as we are both 78 yrs old and think that walking may be too much for us
Thank you
Derek
Written 2 July 2015
Hello Derek, Thank you for your interest to visit the fortress of La Mota. Near to the parking in the tourism information point you can buy your ticket and after that you can go up to the top by car.
Thank you¡¡
Written 4 July 2015
Buenas tardes, ante todo agradecer su interés en visitar la Fortaleza de la Mota. Es posible realizar la visita con carrito de bebé aunque la mayoría del camino que compone la fortaleza es empedrado por lo que no resulta muy cómodo hacerlo.
Si necesita cualquier información complementaria no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros, también puede hacerlo en el 953102717.
Gracias¡¡
Written 26 May 2015
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