Alcázar de Arriba y Puerta de Marchena

Alcázar de Arriba y Puerta de Marchena is a medieval fortress in Carmona, in the province of Seville, standing on the highest point of the town, above what was once an ancient Iberian acropolis.

What is the history behind the fortress?

The site has Muslim origins — during the taifa period it served as the residence of Carmona's local ruler. Following the Christian conquest of the town, the fortress underwent several rounds of rebuilding, but its true golden age arrived in the 14th century, when King Pedro I of Castile, known as "the Cruel," ordered a thorough restoration and made it one of his favourite residences. The work gave the palace a Mudéjar character similar in style to the Real Alcázar of Seville. Later, under the Catholic Monarchs, further palace chambers were expanded and modernised.

The fortress did not escape the harsher chapters of history either. During the plague that struck Seville in 1649, it was converted into a makeshift hospital. It also suffered serious damage from two earthquakes — the first striking Carmona itself in 1504, and the famous Lisbon earthquake of 1755, felt across the whole of southern Spain.

What should you know about its architecture?

The complex was built on a roughly rectangular plan, oriented north to south. The fortress consisted of two defensive enclosures, one inside the other, separated by walls and barbicans, with the whole site ringed by a moat crossed by two gates. An additional outer fortification, known locally as El Cubete, reinforced its defences. This layered structure reflects how strategically important the fortress was for controlling the town and the surrounding plain.

What will you see on site today?

The castle's fortunes shifted in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1871, a bullring was built on the site of the former parade ground, significantly altering the original layout of the interior. The real turning point came in 1976, when a Parador Nacional — Spain's chain of hotels housed in historic buildings — opened within the old courtyard. The inauguration was carried out by then-mayor of Carmona, Francisco Ojeda Montero, with King Juan Carlos I in attendance.

Today the former parade ground serves as a parking area, and most of the historic rooms have been converted for hotel use. Visitors can therefore experience the fortress mainly as a working Parador, admiring its walls and overall defensive layout while enjoying modern tourist facilities set within centuries-old stonework.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

The fortress stands in the highest part of Carmona, close to the town's historic centre, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot, walking up through the narrow streets of the old quarter. Andalusian summers can be intensely hot, so spring and autumn are the best seasons for exploring Carmona and the area around the fortress, when temperatures are milder and walking the old town is far more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the fortress today? Yes, though it now operates mainly as a Parador hotel — guests can view its walls and courtyard while making use of the hotel's facilities.

Who had the greatest influence on the castle's appearance? King Pedro I of Castile, who thoroughly restored it in the 14th century and gave it the Mudéjar character it shares with Seville's Real Alcázar.

Is the fortress legally protected? Yes, it was declared a historic-artistic monument in 1931 and granted Bien de Interés Cultural status in 1993.

What happened to the original parade ground? A bullring was built there in 1871, and today the space serves as a car park for the hotel.