At a leisurely drive of less than 30 minutes from Cordoba city in Southern Spain is this breathtaking castle that most tourists are not aware of. This is partly because tourists are busy exploring the convenient standard attractions in Cordoba easily explored by foot. Here is where the advantage of having a car kicks in.
The castle sits on a hill and is impossible to miss as it can be seen for miles around. If you are travelling between Cordoba and Sevilla on A-431 you would not miss this castle. It looks gorgeous even from miles away when still driving on the highway. It is a steep drive up the hill. There is plenty of free parking at the entrance.
Arrive early when the castle opens to the public at 11 am so that it is easier to get pictures without tourists blocking views. Walk around the castle for more fabulous views especially of a Spanish white village on one side and amazing landscape colors on another. Take care, there are steps and a lot of wind. It could be slippery on a rainy day!
It was previously a Roman fort and the current structure is of Moorish origin. Castle sits on the banks of river Guadalquivir. The views are spectacular. There are several steep steps and narrow passages. You can easily spend an hour walking through the castle and taking in views from the towers.
What is special about this castle?
It looks and feels complete and authentic, not some semi-ruined structure with missing roofs and walls. Everything looks like what it would have been when people lived there. You can picture yourself looking out from one of the many towers, attending court in the hall and eating in the dining hall.
There is an interesting add-on to visiting this castle. Part of the 7th season of the blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones is filmed in the Almodovar’s castle. The places where key scenes are filmed are tastefully highlighted. So, it might be more fun if you are a Game of Thrones fan!
Unfortunately this castle was not included in the tour of Andalucía I did some years ago. We travelled by coach between Cordoba and Sevilla, but I cannot recall seeing it. One of the drawbacks when you are on an organised tour; you have to stick to the programme of the tour operator.
I have visited Spain and spent time in Cordoba,, which I found interesting. I did not get to this area.
Love the photos! We would love to see this if we ever do a longer Spain trip
This looks gorgeous – I especially love that it’s on a hill and has spectacular views! It looks like a medieval fairy tale!
What a hidden treasure! I’ve been to southern Spain twice and never visited this castle. Definitely helpful to have a car and be able to drive here. I do recognize this as “Highgarden” from Game of Thrones too – would be awesome to see it in real life!
What a beautiful place. Just like you’d imagine a “castle”. I have visited the region but have not seen this. Will do next time!!
I am a serious castle addict and I want to see this one, too. I wish I had an extra lifetime to visit them all 🙂 Thanks to introducing this gem to us.
I was not knowing about this beautiful Castle Almodovar which 30 minutes from Cordoba city in Southern Spain which is really a breathtaking castle. It is good that you showcased some offbeat place too.
I am a Game of Thrones fan so it would definitely interest me. I haven’t been to Cordoba yet but if I ever get there I may take the time to also see this castle.
You find the most amazing places to visit, I just love this type of fairytale dreamy castles. And yes, I am a Game of Thrones fan, so that would be just a bonus! 😀
It’s great that fans of GOT have increased tourism to these areas. I must admit I’ve never seen a single episode, but I’d still like to visit this Castle.
I visited Castillo Almodovar with my family over 30 years ago and completely forgot about it until reading this post – I remember being so beautiful and sleepy! We had an amazing meal near here with while asparagus and garlic mayo I will never forget!
Game of Thrones or no, castles are my favourite places to visit. The views from the hilltop, the amazing architecture and the intricate history are fascinating. Adding this one to my castle list 🙂
We had a very packed few days in Cordoba so never got a chance to explore outside the city. It would be so exciting though to head out and see Castillo Almodovar sitting high on the hill. We would definitely head out early before the crowds were there. Those views from above are stunning!
I love castles – I think they’re such a fascinating step back into history. This one appears to be so well preserved. It’s great to also see how people would have lived there. Thanks for sharing.
I had never heard of this castle, but I would absolutely love to visit it! It is absolutely stunning. And amazing that it’s so close to Cordoba! Also, very cool that part of Game of Thrones was filmed there!
Wow those are great tips! I would love to get the chance to see Cordoba and explore the castle. I love learning about the history behind castles and old towns.
Such a beautiful castle! And featured in GOT? Definitely adding to my bucket list!
Ooo, I was an avid GoT fan (til the last season, hahaha :[ ) — it’d be super cool to get to visit here though! I’ve been to Spain but never to this area!
I had no idea GoT was filmed here. How cool!