One good way to learn more about the castle of Alcaudete is to try one of the medieval dinners or lunches, or participate in the historical re-enactments and theatrical visits organised by the local tourist management company in collaboration with the Town Council and other bodies. Dressed in medieval attire and guided by some of the most eminent personages who lived within its walls, you will learn about the history of this imposing and impregnable fortification. There is also the option of the classical tour of the castle (accessible for disabled visitors) and visit the Military Order of Calatrava Visitor Centre. You can view the weapons and war machines that the monks used in their incursions and learn more about what their life was like inside the castle.

In the 8th – 14th centuries, Alcaudete became a site of vital importance on the Jaén side of the border with the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The struggle between Moors and Christians to take over the coveted stronghold was constant, even after the Battle of Navas de Tolosa. Finally, the Military Order of Calatrava was entrusted to control and defend the western border of the Kingdom of Jaén. The Calatravan monks built the castle on the foundations of the old Arab fort. From there, they obtained supplies and sent troops out to participate in the incursions into Moorish territory. They returned to the fortress to seek shelter and lodging.

The Order of Calatrava reinforced the defensive nature of the stronghold to make it as impregnable and inaccessible as possible. They also adapted it to the new combat strategies – given the incipient use of artillery – by rounding off the corners of some of the towers. They used the defences of the old Moorish fort as a curtain wall, that is, a low wall that stands in front of the main wall. The curtain wall is still standing.

The monks kept two of the three gates that gave access to the fortress during the Moorish period: the main gate, in the north area, defended by two towers; and a smaller false gate at the south end, which was also protected by the tower known as the Torre del Reloj.

Inside, the castle of Alcaudete looks very similar to what it looked like eight centuries ago. A painstaking restoration process has recovered the original appearance of most of the buildings and structures. The fortress boasts three cisterns. The guardhouse, which controlled access to the castle, was on top of the cistern closest to the main entrance and communicated directly to the wall-walk on top of the curtain wall. These passageways were only frequented by the guard, who could use them to walk all around the perimeter of the fortress and access the six defensive towers. The Castle of Alcaudete is the only castle where this type of structure can be seen.

The stables, currently used as a hall for a range of activities, and the chapterhouse, located on top of the stables, are at the south end of the walled perimeter. However, of all these fortifications, the spectacular Torre del Homenaje stands out in the centre of the fortress, on the highest point of the hill. It is a symbol of the Order’s power, of impressive dimensions (22 metres tall and with walls up to three metres thick) and practically impregnable due to its difficult access. The keep harboured the cistern and storage room for food supplies, as well as the commander’s residence on the top floor.

When Granada was conquered and armed conflict ceased, the castle lost its military functions and became a residence when it was handed over to the lordly domains of the Fernández de Córdoba family. The lords of Alcaudete placed their – still visible – escutcheons over the main entrance and undertook many alterations that affected almost every building in the castle, including the Torre del Homenaje. The first floor was transformed into a living room with a fireplace; the second floor, formerly one of the castle’s most important rooms, was turned into a dovecot, oddly enough. The new owners also built new outbuildings within the fortress, including a palatial residence with an imperial stairway. Few of the latter can be seen today, due to constant pillaging. This one was finally destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.