La Calahorra Castle

La Calahorra Castle is an unusual Moorish fortress, which with a romantic gesture turns into a magnificent Renaissance palace, a gift from one man to show his love for his wife. The castle and its spectacular Calahorra facade are dominated by the same name and located down over the Spanish city located in the plateau of the Marquesado. Situated in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Calahorra is considered one of the most emblematic and interesting castles in the Spanish region of Andalucia.

La Calahorra Castle is one of the first Italian Renaissance palaces, which were then built outside the country. It also was the first to appear with such architectural features in Andalucia. It was built between 1509 and 1512 at the former Mauritanian fortification. Nomination in the 18th century La Calahorra Castle is the result of work of two architects - Castilian master Lorenzo Vazquez and Italy's Michelle Carlone.

Attractive Calahorra has four towers that stands out against the red soil on which the castle stands. Its color is due to the large amount of iron ore which it contains. The interior of the palace is also unusual. It stands out with its incredible splendor that is clearly evident in the inner courtyard which is beautifully decorated with a "generous" Renaissance colonnade. The columns are delicately carved marble items.

La Calahorra Castle is located just a few miles east of the highway that leads to Almeria. Today it is open for public visits, however, working only on Wednesday from 10am to 1pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm. The castle and the village below are a wonderful place for rural tourism or hiking tours. In the village there are plenty that allow you to stay overnight and spend a pleasant few days.