Skip The Line: Fortaleza De La Mota Admission Ticket

Fortaleza de la Mota is a perfect example of how history should be transmitted. The visit includes illustrations showing how the buildings looked originally, a 15-minute video about the history of the fortress and the town, 3D representations of some areas as they were in the 16th century, written information throughout the site, and a digital audio guide included in the ticket price. And it's a beautiful place!! All this for just 8€, which also gives access to the Archaeology Museum in the town. This is how history should be taught and experienced: complete, engaging, and interactive. Alhambra could learn a lot from Fortaleza de la Mota...

This was a stop on the route between Granada and Jaen, and the fortress was much better than expected. For one thing the views from the top over the surrounding countryside are great. For another, the combination of 'restored' and 'under restoration' gave good insight into how archeological digs are done, and how restoration is done. The tower and the church were fun to explore, especially the elevated walkways in the tower area (but you will need to climb a few steps to get full benefit of that). The audio guide is exceptional, giving an excellent runthrough of the history for this complex. All in all, a great experience.

We visited from the UK, and were told that Fortaleza de la Mota was worth a visit as it had "a few holes in the ground where bodies had been". Astonishing understatement. The citadel occupies a strategically imposing location looming over the otherwise sleep town of Alcalá la Real. Difficult to approach by car (some really steep and narrow medieval streets if you go the wrong way), and an unaccountably empty car park when we got there (was it closed for the day, we wondered?) We managed to find the casually signpostedticket office, and bought tickets, together with the obligatory mobile commentary, and puffed our way up the access ramp which winds round outside of the fort, before spilling us out onto... a hilltop city. I'm afraid I rapidly abandoned the plodding English commentary in favour of the fairly plentiful English boards explaining each part of the site. I found the whole place enchanting. It was clear considerable scholarly effort (and money) was going into the careful restoration of most of the whole site. We were told later that the money to do this was coming from central and local government, as well as EC grants. What was most surprising was how few people visited while we were there (weekday in early October). The ticket man told us that he had sold 80 tickets that day - 80! - which was probably as many as they sell to the Alhambra Palace just down the road. If you use your imagination with hardly anyone else around, I think it's a lot easier to imagine the place in its heyday. We came away gobsmacked, with the site itself, but also astonished that the place isn't packed. Do yourself a favour - if you like your history and archaeology low key and sensitively presented, make a detour to Alcalá la Real. You won't regret it!

We were encouraged to visit Alcalá by our hotel owners. It is truly a remarkable place, visible from way off, in a spectacular location. I won't go into details, but the manner in which it has been restored is very sympathetic, and it has one huge advantage over other fortresses is that the walls etc of the mediaeval settlement are still there, so it is possible to see where the rest of society in the fortress lived. Very worth a visit.

It's well worth a visit the castle is amazing and they do lots of events at the castle too! Like murder mystery, escape room, Theater fireworks music shows etc...

Huge fortress on top of a steep hill overlooking plains of Andalusia. Convenient location not far from major highways, allows for a nice side trip. Well maintained (restorations were ongoing while we visited). Every interesting feature is well described (audio guide was complimentary with entrance ticket). There are some hidden places, in order to access small investigating skills were required. Great views from the top of the towers. All in all, great place to visit while traveling around south west Spain.

Really interesting with information in many languages via a handset. Easy to follow guide and helpful friendly staff. Anyone could easily spend half a day exploring this wonderful gem. Excellent value for money

this is an amazing place, beautiful and impressive, but so few visitors find there way to this castle on the rocks (compared to Sevilla and Granada) The site is well restored, provides interesting explanation, ao a excellent 15 minutes video ! Also the audio guide is very useful and included in the price of only 6 euros It is absolutely worth the drive!

A place to discover, a beautiful immersion in the past. Plan on 2 hours for the visit. The children were very interested (4, 6, and 14 years old) Very well-maintained site. Very pleasant personal welcome.

2026. They are prohibiting our entry because we have a dog with us. Can someone give me a single reason why dogs are not allowed? Ladies and gentlemen!! Dogs do not make a mess, nor do they paint on the walls "Pepe was here". It is a matter of civility and that is what people with or without a dog lack.

I spent a few days visiting various towns in the province of Jaén and partially following the route of the castles and battles. After visiting several, I passed through Alcalá la Real to visit the fortress, and frankly, I was impressed. I decided to leave the car in the village and walk up, a tough test, I bought the ticket, 8 €, and entered freely. Simply spectacular. It dominates the entire hill, and everything I saw is magnificent. Access doors, walls, the church, the enormous amount of remains of buildings both in the military and civil areas, the alcazaba, all amazed me. It is very well marked and crossed by walkways, so the route is followed in a very easy logic, and you discover rooms, undergrounds, and nooks where you least expect it. In summary, when I realized it, I had been walking for almost three hours, and I didn't even notice. It is, by far, what I enjoyed the most about my trip, and with the ticket, you can visit the museum located in the village, in the abbey palace, which is also very interesting. The village is also worth seeing.

Visit to do if you go from Granada to Cordoba. Via the national highway, we quickly spot this castle perched on a hill. There are very nice rooms to discover and the view from the towers is beautiful. Many parts are openly accessible and allow you to discover the bowels of this walled city. To do! Can be done with a stroller and children!

I've seen places full of people who weren't worth it. Instead this fortress has surprised me for good. I didn't expect how well organized everything is, with free audio guide and everything very well signposted and explained. I think it is mandatory to stop if only to visit this wonder. It has left me very good feelings and the place is amazing and they are still in the works to continue expanding it. RECOMMENDED 100x100 CONGRATULATIONS!! on this restoration and how well maintained everything is.

The application that plunges us in real time into the streets of the past with the foundations of the houses that come to life!

It has been a wonderful experience and we are in the middle of a heatwave. It is a pleasure to be able to walk through what is now and thanks to the QRs see how it went. Everything looks great. All the audiovisuals are interesting but the church one is... super interesting and very emotional. What we've lost, for a change, to the wars. The number of burials and cisterns that can be seen. That said, a wonder many could learn to teach our past.

I recommend your visit and make it either with guide or if you can not with audio guide. It's awesome and it's getting better and better. Very well maintained, everything very clean and a fantastic and free parking. Too bad the day we went was very hot and we could not stay as long as we would have liked. Perfect place to have a panoramic view of the city and appreciate all its beauty. With the entrance to the motte then you have included the visit to another monument the abbey palace that is below in the city.

We had heard of the fortress, but we did not expect such a spectacular ensemble. We have visited other castles, but they were not as large or as well preserved. You can see that they have made a great effort to restore and preserve this great monument. With the tickets comes a QR code, with which you can download an audio guide, quite complete. It is worth spending a morning visiting the fortress.

Site outside the canonical itineraries and discovered by chance during a visit to the equivalent of Antequera, instead reported in the Lonely Planet guide. Worth a visit for its good state of preservation, worthy restorations and spectacular views of the surrounding area. Audio guides downloadable to your smartphone via QR code. Very few people (great!). Definitely low ticket prices.

A very interesting historical visit with a lot of history behind it, that's why Alcalá is REAL. The rehabilitation is very good, after dismantling the cemetery with great professionalism like that of Don Pedro de Padilla, a local tech architect and very in love with making the greats reborn. origin of his beloved great town

Very worthwhile. A whole history is told here. The film shown is also impressive. Take your time and also enjoy the beautiful view. Afterwards we also went to the museum in the village, which is included in the ticket.

Guided tour of a car club to the Hidden City and La Mota Fortress, led by the guide Maika. Spectacular visit. Don't hesitate to do it. Maika, thank you very much for the pleasant visit. We are waiting for you at the next meeting in Soria, hehehe. Honestly, I don't want to say much more, it's better to live the experience with you. From 10.

We booked a guided tour and at that time it was just us, it was like a private tour. The girl was very professional and the one and a half hour visit was very enjoyable. The impressive fortress has a lot to see, not forgetting the snowfield area, where they accumulated snow. We also booked for the hidden castle town guided tour. Access is only possible with prior reservation. It lasts half an hour and explains the history of the conquest of the castle through these tunnels under the castle that you can explore.

Great tour of the Mota Fortress. I was very surprised because I did not expect the magnitude of the fortress after climbing through the hidden city. We were accompanied by Marina from PANGEA, a great professional because the 2.30 hour tour was very enjoyable. I recommend it 100% funny........

Last October 14, around 3:45 p.m., I was preparing to visit the La Mota Fortress, along with my wife and my dog, weighing about 6 kilos, and to our surprise, we were denied access since We were told that pets could not enter. I informed the staff serving the public at that time that I had a hanging bag where I could transport my dog and that in other locations we had been allowed access when visiting monuments and public buildings, but they argued that I could not do so either. enter, so after traveling from our home in the province of Almería, we had to turn around. I want to present my strongest complaint since I understand that they prohibited us from entering in deliberate breach of Law 7/2023, of March 28, on the protection of the rights and well-being of animals, which is established in Article 29, on Access with animals. of company to means of transport, establishments and public spaces, point 3 that "Unless expressly prohibited, duly signposted and visible from the outside, access of pets to public buildings and facilities will be allowed. Obviously, there was no signage indicating the prohibition visible from the outside, at least in the ticket office area, in fact, not even on its website, in the information about tourist visits to that space it indicates it. Likewise, I could not leave my dog in my car so as not to comply with the aforementioned Law 7/2023, of March 28, on the protection of the rights and well-being of animals. in its Article 24. General obligations with respect to pet and wild animals in captivity, which is specified in point 2, section d "Do not leave them alone inside closed vehicles, exposed to thermal or any other conditions that may put his life in danger", since the temperature was excessive on that day and time. We are deeply disappointed by the City Council's policy regarding the entry of pets into the Fortaleza de la Mota, which was illegal, at least on that day of our visit, and we ask that they review it for the future. Obviously, I think they are losing a sector of the population that likes to enjoy leisure and tourism accompanied by their pets.

Went here out of curiosity and not disappointed! For 6 Euro per person including audio tour we learned a lot about the history of this place. Very fun and educational and don't forget the beautiful views to the eternal snow of the Sierra Nevada. Just do it when you're around!

Highly recommended the guided tour. Juan, the guide, very didactic and adapted to the needs of visitors. Quite a hit.

The whole visit. It's a spectacular place. Great for the day. It should be publicized more. I recommend it

Interesting and unknown area of Andalusia, far from the usual topics. We actually went to visit the nearby village of Almedinilla, with its archaeological remains, but it is worth the whole region.

Fine and valuable activity. A rich history. Easily accessible to everyone. Friendly staff and for the upper part also easily accessible for wheelchair users. Recommended!

A marvel this border fortress or Qalab of Arab times, favorite enclave of Iberians and Romans and that q'al of Benizade of Al Andalus. Six centuries of Arab history have drawn the citadel, leaving a population legacy of characteristic pillows. Highlights include the Abacial Palace, El Alcázar and the houses of the cabildo. The Abbacial Palace, built in 1781, is now home to the Archaeological Museum. In the pretty blazon we see the key that protects and guards the kingdoms of Castile.

Awesome. We fell short with two hours of visiting. It's not just a fortress, but an entire city

The fortress is very well preserved, admission costs 6€ and 3€ for over 65s.The apothecary is very well recreated. The defense tower and the old church are fine.

Spectacular visit to the Mota Castle. Nuria, our guide. It made it very interesting. It is worth seeing the secret city with its explanations. Fully recommended. Personally, thank you for your kindness

The fortress originated in an Arab alcazaba and was expanded since the Christian reconquest. The visit can be done following the guide plan that they provide you, or accompanied by a guide, essential to better understand the whole fortress and the constructions and ruins of its interior.

It's not a great castle, as I expected. It is a truly walled city, built by the Arabs on a strategic summit at over 1,000 meters altitude. The whole is very wide, and it costs about two hours to travel it carefully. Highlights include the access to the city, the inner castle with its towers, and the church, with an interesting transparent floor showing dozens of burials.

The historical-artistic ensemble of this fortress is spectacular from a distance. Its profile is especially striking, both for the location and the beauty of the construction. The visit to the complex is complemented by an audio guide that I think is somewhat extensive and that is recreated in anecdotes and supposed experiences of the time that managed to bore me. The visit to the fortress is also completed with a 20-minute screening. The film tells the story of the fortress in a somewhat messy way, stops at specific recreations and makes it somewhat tedious as well. As for the course and the fortress itself, it is pleasant, interesting, advisable and nothing extraordinary.

It is an amazing place and a great experience to be able to visit this fortress, although there is a lot of work to be done, but it is worth it.

Magnificent experience. We were in Cordoba's subbetics and we approached to see this fortress. It's very worth it. With the entry you have the option to put an audio guide on the mv and it tells you the whole story. You also have a church screening that is very worth seeing. Excellent experience

Visiting the Fortress of La Mota is a time travel of several centuries and accelerated course of history. Absolutely recommended. I was staying in Jaén capital and I think it is well worth the trip from both Granada and Jaén to see this wonder. It is also advisable to visit the castle of Alcaudete on the same day. I should have been around 3 hours and it is appreciated that the schedule of the monument is not split and if continued (I think its schedule is 10 to 18), since I started the visit about 13.

Perhaps the village itself, does not merit more than one night stay, but the strength for its conservation and good management of the visits, is undoubtedly a 5 star visit

Superb walk with audio guide very well done Very well restored fortress 2h30 visit Easy parking

Acceptable although I leave disappointed not to accept pets, in this case a small Chihuahua of just two kilos and carrying in a closed bag. I still don't understand how they don't accept pets. What do I do? You leave her in the car in the sun? Is that better? I have come from visiting Úbeda and Baeza and I have been to all the monuments and no one has hit me. Disappointed with the treatment at this memorial. Perhaps we humans do more damage to monuments by leaving behind butts, spits and other papers than a simple pet. Whoever it is, let him reflect.

Magnificent on the outside and inside. One of the best preserved castles I've ever seen. It's worth it.

After visiting the Castle of Alcaudete, we have been to this Fortress. Very wide everything. Explained by the audio-guide application. Highly recommended.

If you are in the area and you like history is a must, it is very worth it. Plus the staff is very friendly.

On August 22nd we visited the Fortress of the Mota. A problem arose with booking our tickets and they resolved it effectively, professionally and quickly. Special mention for Francisco Manuel Teba who did his best and almost impossible to solve the quagmire and made an exceptional visit. This was our umpteenth visit, because every time we have guests we accompany them to go sightseeing in Alcalá la Real. And never lets down. Everyone is delighted.

An amazing experience. To visit this fortress is to relive our history in an exceptional way thanks to both the staff ,very friendly at all times, and the audio guide.

little waiting but no access time and nowhere is it indicated that at 12:30, there is a projection of 1/4 hour in the abbey church.

I wanted to know this place. The time has come and the surprise has been very pleasant, really worth visiting this fortress.