Alcazar de Jerez de la Frontera - Andalusia

The Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera is a group of fortified buildings of Almohad origin (probably 12th century, being the oldest Almohad building in the Iberian Peninsula), to which Baroque palace buildings were later added , and which is one of the city's most important monuments; it is located in the southwest corner of the wall that surrounded the city, next to the Alameda Vieja.

The Alcázar was used in Islamic Jerez as a fortress-palace , the seat of power that governed the city. It is now used for events and is open to tourists all year round.

It is considered one of the few examples of Almohad architecture in the Iberian Peninsula.

Of the original Islamic fortress, the gates, the mosque, the Arab baths, the octagonal tower and the pavilion in the courtyard of Doña Blanca de Borbón have been preserved . From later stages, the Torre del Homenaje (15th century) and the baroque palace of Villavicencio and the oil mill (18th century) stand out. The imposing octagonal tower with its characteristic Almohaden double curb also stands out for its presence. Furthermore, the Torre del Homenaje de los Ponce de León is impressive.

The main buildings of the Alcázar are arranged around the parade ground . It is where the governor trained his troops in Almohad times. All kinds of social and cultural activities are currently being organized.

Willem Vandenameele