Los Ribera Castle

Los Ribera Castle is a blend of Arab fortification and Italian Renaissance palace in Bornos, with walls that have lived through several periods. At its center sits a marble fountain bearing the Ribera coat of arms, surrounded by arched passageways and pointed railings.

The structure began as an Arab fortification before the Ribiera family transformed it into a Renaissance palace after traveling to Jerusalem in 1520. This conversion marked the shift from a defensive stronghold to a grand residence displaying the family's influence and refined taste.

The name comes from the Ribera family, who transformed it in the 16th century and whose legacy still shapes how people understand this place. The rooms reflect how wealthy families of the Renaissance lived and displayed their status through architecture and decoration.

The site is accessible during daylight hours, and the tourist office in the courtyard provides basic guidance for visitors. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes, as the old stone surfaces can be uneven underfoot.

The garden loggia displays the only Pompeian architectural style in Andalusia, though the original mythological statues were long ago moved to Seville. This distinctive feature gives the place a touch of ancient Roman elegance rarely found elsewhere in the region.

Location: Bornos

GPS coordinates: 36.81527,-5.74377

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22