The fortress dominates the surrounding landscape and ensured that the Arabic rulers of the time retained their independence for more than 700 years. It is said that it was from this castle that the Catholic Kings, Isabela of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragón, planned the final assault of Granada.
The land occupied by the modern town of Alcalá la Real has remains of human habitation that date back to prehistoric times. Although the architects of the Roman Empire left their mark, the dominant civilisation was that of the Moors who, from the 7th century until the defeat of the last caliphate of Spain in Granada in 1492, were the ruling defensive and social force.
The fortified city of Alcalá was, from the 7th century the historical seat of the Yemení de los Yahsib tribe. Once the Moors became established in the Iberian Peninsula, inter-factional feuding began; the common enemy had been defeated and human nature took over.
The Spanish Moorish kingdoms split into feudal divisions, or Taifas, independent Arabic States within a State. In Alcalá, the Yemení de los Yahsib tribe achieved independence from the Almorávides and in the 12th century the town became known as Qal’t Banu Said or Alcalá de Ben Zayde.
After the defeat of the Moors in 1492, and until the late 19th century, Alcalá lived perhaps some its most intense moments. During this time the churches and other grand buildings that adorn the town were constructed and, with the Moorish influence as foundation, Christian architecture rises up, as if in celebration of liberation.
The current occupiers of influence in Alcalá la Real promote an atmosphere of discovery that has its roots deep in the town’s long history. Since the 12th Century the town has expanded between the two hills that comprise its borders, Las Cruces and La Mota and its white-washed buildings merge with some of the most beautiful countryside in Andalusia. From the castle walls the views across the surrounding hillsides are a breathtaking spectacle that has changed little since the times when 13th century Moorish sentinels scoured the horizons for approaching armies intent on their destruction.
Alcalá Real was declared a city of immense artistic and cultural value (Conjunto Histórico Artístico) in 1951.
Fiestas and Events:
Saint Anthony – 11th June. This is usually celebrated during the first two weeks of June and comprises religious meetings, sporting competitions, musical shows and lots of partying.
La Candelaria – 2nd February. On this day, the Virgen of the Candelaria is taken on shoulderback through the streets of the town. The ceremony involves a pair of white doves and a cake, which is shared between the participants of the parade.
Saint José - 18th March. - The evening before this celebration begins, fires are lit around the the old town and music is played through the streets of Alcalá.
Holy Week - Although this fiesta has many features in common with other festivals during Holy Week in Spain including parades through the streets, this particular one has differences that soft-focus on the still tangible presence of Islam. It is well worth experiencing as from 1999, this festival was oficial recognised as being of tourist interest.
Saint Juan – 23rd June. Burning of witches is alive and well and residing here for this macabre festival.
Our Lady of Las Mercedes – 14th August. This fiesta is commemoration of the taking of Granada by the Catholic Kings, when it is said that the Saint made an apparition in Montillana in Granada. These fiestas, which occur in many towns in this area, are usually celebrated before or after the 15th August. The festivities include concerts, parties and high spirits.
Saint Mateo – 21st September. Held in the second two weeks of September, this fair is a remembrance of a fair that was originally held to sell animals.b Once again, there is much partying, celebration and general revelry.
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A town of two hills, it’s not by chance that Alcalá la Real is located in the centre of influence for the area. The natural strategic defensive position is occupied by the fortress of La Mota, the foundations of which date from Roman times but which experienced an expansion under the influence of the Moors. 
