Alcázar de Arriba y Puerta de Marchena, Medieval fortress in Carmona, Spain.
The Alcázar de Arriba and Puerta de Marchena form a medieval fortress at the highest point of Carmona with nine towers and thick defensive walls. The structure contains a rectangular courtyard and features a distinctive horseshoe arch entrance.
The fortress was built on Roman ruins during the Caliphate of Córdoba and later redesigned by King Pedro I of Castile as a royal residence in the 14th century. This royal use shaped its architecture significantly.
The fortress blends Islamic and Christian architectural styles, with Mudéjar details visible throughout the inner spaces. This mix reflects how different cultures shaped the building over time.
The fortress remains sit at the western edge of the city walls and require careful planning when visiting. Access has limitations as the site does not accommodate wheeled mobility devices.
The site includes El Cubete, a specialized artillery fortification added during the Catholic Monarchs period. This feature shows how the fortress was adapted to new military technology.
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