Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera

The Alcázar is a medieval fortress in Jerez featuring a rectangular layout protected by double defensive walls and seven towers that still stand today. Within its perimeter lie a converted mosque, palace structures, and courtyards that reveal multiple periods of construction and renovation.

The fortress was built in the 11th century as a defensive stronghold and underwent significant modifications during Islamic and later Christian rule. These successive transformations left their mark on the structure and purpose of different areas within the complex.

The mosque within the walls stands as a remnant of Jerez's diverse past, when multiple faiths coexisted in the city and shaped its daily life. Walking through this space today, you sense the layering of different communities and their uses of the fortress.

The fortress is open daily and involves walking across uneven ground and climbing stairs, particularly when visiting the towers. Wear sturdy shoes and check opening hours in advance, as some areas may have limited access depending on weather or maintenance conditions.

A hidden chamber within one of the palace towers functions as an optical device and displays how similar mechanisms appeared across different cultures throughout history. Few visitors know about this technical innovation, which demonstrates how observations of light were turned into practical tools.