Alcalá la Real
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Alcalá the Royal, is a large country town, its fortress La Mota has a strategic position between Cordoba and Granada. This area was occupied by the Muslims from 713 and was part of Zirid Kingdom of Granada in the taifa period.
Its heyday was in the 12th century when it became independent and incredibly prosperous, which lasted until the 13th century when its territories were lost to both Christian and Muslim forces due to its frontline position.Finally in 1341 Alfonso XI took control and it became a main base for the final phase of the reconquista of Granada.
What to See
La Mota - the majestic fortress overlooking the modern town, was begun by the Muslims in 727 and added to by the Almohads and Nasrids in the 12th and 13th and other works continued up until the 16th century.It consists of three rows of walls, the first to protect the entrances, the second to defend the surrounding area and the third to secure the main enclosure. Part of La Mota has become an Archaeological Museum with exhibits from the al-Andalus era.
Abbey Church – with its imposing 42 metre high tower overshadows La Mota. Built between 1530 and 1627 the first section is in Gothic and Plateresque style and the rest is Renaissance.
El Llanillo – this district has many lovely 20th century buildings, take in the town hall, Church of Las Angustias and the convent La Encarnacion built in 1630.
