Between the plain of the Guadalquivir River and the mountains of the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park, we found a true rural gem, a villa of white houses crowned by a medieval castle. We talk about the picturesque town of Almodóvar del Ríoperfect for a traveling getaway.
This town is one of the best preserved in Spaina beautiful corner of the province of Córdoba that invites us to enjoy activities active tourism in nature and marvel at its spectacular architecture and history.
The story of Almodóvar del Río
The lands that the town of Almodóvar del Río occupies today were already inhabited since ancient times due to its strategic location, as demonstrated by the archaeological remains of the Paleolithic found at the location. Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and finally Christians also passed through here. For example, during the Muslim era, specifically in the year 740, there was built the fortress, known as Al-Mudawvar“to which the town’s later name is owed”, as pointed out by Turismo de Andalucía.
It was not until 1240 when this population joined the Crown of Castile through an agreement by Fernando III, who handed it over to the Council of Córdoba three years later. And moving on to the last centuries of history, the town participated in highly relevant events such as the War of Independence, the confiscation of Mendizábal and the peasant movement during the Second Republic.
What to see in Almodóvar del Castillo
The structure of the Almodóvar del Río Castle that has survived to this day “is the result of different construction periods in the 10th, 12th, 13th and especially the 14th centuries, when sour most important towers of Gothic-Mudejar style“, they explain from the town hall. Currently it is “one of the best preserved castles in Spain, having the category of Asset of Cultural Interest,” they detail.
The fortress can not only be visited, but promises a great tourist experience with which we can enter its towers and rooms that have different themes. They also offer dramatized visits, medieval days, medieval combat training… And as a curiosity, scenes of the famous series Game of Thrones.
Beyond this building, the town awaits us with a magnificent architectural heritage. For example, we cannot miss the Natera Manor House, converted into the current Popular Athenaeum; the Church of the Immaculate Conception, from 1627; the Old Town Hall, which also functioned as a prison; the Chapel of the Hospital de la Caridad, the oldest religious building in the town, and the Hermitage of Rosario and San Sebastián.
On the other hand, if we want learn more about the culture of Almodóvar del Ríonothing better than the Ángel Estévez Ethnological Collection, more than 4000 pieces on display; the Municipal Archaeological Exhibition, and Municipal Historical Archive.
How to get to Almodóvar del Río
He car ride from the city of Córdoba To Almodóvar del Río is 30 minutes on the A-431. From Seville it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes on the A-4 and A-431.
Sign up for the newsletter and receive the best proposals for traveling the world in your email.
