Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses

Fortaleza de la Mota

Alcalá la Real, Spain

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CASTLES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 83 2026
Fortaleza de la Mota

Hilltop fortress above Alcalá la Real in Jaén province, with a walled village inside. Visitors walk through streets, houses, cellars, cisterns, military quarters and the church, and climb towers for views over olive groves.

Highlights

  • Main abbey church
  • Walls and ramparts
  • Keep and towers

Good to know

  • Entry costs 8 euros, includes archaeology museum
  • Audio guide included, multiple languages
  • Free parking near the entrance

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