Alcazaba de las Siete Torres

Alcazaba de las Siete Torres stands right at the heart of Orce, a small town in the Granada province, deep in the historic Altiplano region of Andalusia. Also known as the Castillo de Orce, this medieval fortress ranks among the most recognizable landmarks in the area and is a natural stop for anyone drawn to the region's long archaeological story.

Where does the name "Seven Towers" come from?

The fortress takes its name directly from its layout. A defensive wall lined with seven towers encloses the old weapons courtyard. Six of the towers are hollow, square-based structures measuring 8 by 8 metres and rising to 25 metres, built — like the surrounding wall — in rammed earth (tapial), a construction technique typical of Al-Andalus military architecture. The seventh and most imposing tower is the keep, the Torre del Homenaje, with a rectangular base of 20 by 17 metres, a height of almost 50 metres, and five internal floors.

What is the history behind the castle?

The exact founding date of the Alcazaba is unknown, but historians place its earliest construction before the 11th century. Additional fortifications were added over the following centuries, and the complex was not finished until the 14th century. A turning point came in 1488, when the fortress was taken by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, who then granted it as a lordship to Enrique Enríquez. From that point the castle changed hands and roles several times, yet it has remained a fixed presence in Orce's skyline ever since.

What will you see today?

The fortress has been restored and is in good condition, so visitors can walk the courtyard and get a close look at the walls and towers. Inside, it now houses an Archaeological Museum displaying finds unearthed across the municipality of Orce — including some of the oldest evidence of human presence in Europe, which makes the surrounding area particularly significant for archaeology. A visit therefore combines medieval military architecture with a window onto the region's prehistory.

How do you get there, and when is the best time to visit?

Orce sits in the northeastern corner of Granada province, near Baza, along the route connecting Andalusia with Murcia. The castle occupies the very centre of town, so once you arrive it's an easy walk to reach it. The region has hot summers and cold winters, which makes spring and autumn the most comfortable seasons for a visit — the milder temperatures and softer light also work better for photographing the stone walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Alcazaba de las Siete Torres? Yes, the fortress has been restored and now houses an archaeological museum open to visitors.

Where does the castle's name come from? From the seven towers lining the wall that once enclosed its weapons courtyard.

When was the fortress built? Construction began before the 11th century and was completed in the 14th century.

What can you see inside? The courtyard, defensive walls and towers, plus an Archaeological Museum with finds from the Orce area.