Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro

1656

Located at the highest point of Carmona, west of the walled compound, this fortified palace was likely built in the Muslim period, specifically in the 12th century; however, there is no archaeological evidence to substantiate it.

It is rectangular and safeguarded in the north and west by a moat with two gates on both sides and an external fort (called “El Cubete”). It is accessed through a large pointed, horseshoe arch. Once inside the compound, a former guardhouse leads to the weapons courtyard. This square courtyard has three walls. The one that closes the courtyard is reinforced with several towers, including the Torre de Homenaje (keep).

In the 14th century, King Pedro I commissioned several towers and an outer gate to Sevillian craftsmen. Since he wanted to transform the fortress into a sumptuous palace, he had it ornately decorated. Sadly, the fortress shows no traces of the beautiful plasterwork and marble columns that were installed in those days. This was primarily due to the destruction caused by the earthquakes that struck Carmona in 1504 and 1755. The latter, the so-called Lisbon earthquake, caused such devastation that the fortress was ultimately abandoned.

Nowadays, the interior has been extensively modified and is used as a National Tourism Parador-Hotel, with Mudejar-style aesthetics, with numerous halls and courtyards.

It was declared a Monument of Historic Interest in 1931, and an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985.

Labels

ACI (Asset of Cultural Interest)