In the province of Jaén, Spain, lies the beautiful town of Alcalá la Real, only an hour away from Granada.
The quaint Mediterranean town boasts of the Fortaleza de la Mota or the Fortress of La Mota.
This majestic fortress stands as a silent witness to centuries of history and the passage of time.
Offering a guided tour that unravels stories of conquests, battles, and architectural wonders, the Fortaleza de la Motta promises an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for Fortaleza de la Mota.
Join a live guide or opt for an audio guide for a walking tour of the Fortress of La Mota near Granada, learning about its secrets and history on the way.
Constructed in the 15th century during a period of intense territorial dispute, this fortress looms imposingly atop the hill as a vantage point of surveillance and defense.
Transport your sense back in time, greeted by well-preserved architecture, medieval folks and legends, and a palpable sense of cultural history.
Let the towering bastions, stone walls, jail towers, and inner chambers induct you to stories of legendary battles and the royal way of life.
Enjoy a walk through the central courtyard and let your imagination fly with the well-maintained gardens and statues.
One of the most remarkable features is the inside of the church, where the floor has been removed to lay bare dozens of graves carved out of the rock beneath.
Enjoy an audiovisual show inside the Mayor Abbey Church that dives into a detailed tapestry of the fortresses’ history.
Climb the spiral staircase of a well-preserved tower to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Children aged between seven and 16 can get entry at€4.
Adults above 16 can buy the ticket for €8.
If you are a European Youth card holder, you can get entry at just €4.
Fortress of La Mota tickets
With its impressive architecture, captivating stories, and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, the Fortress of La Mota offers a journey through time that will leave visitors with a newfound appreciation for the past and the enduring spirit of those who shaped it.
The fortress is a savvy storage of legends. Perched atop a network of underground tunnels and secret passageways, this magnificent fort guards a treasure trove of ghostly tales.
Whether you are an avid history buff or simply a curious traveler, visiting Fortaleza de la Motta will surely be an unforgettable adventure.
Please note that the live guide walking with you will lead the tour and provide info in Spanish.
The pre-recorded audio tours are in English, French, German, and Spanish.
Fortaleza de La Mota Guided Tour tickets
This ticket gives you access to a guided tour of La Mota Fortress with a guide physically present to accompany you on your tour and enrich it with stories.
The language of the guided narration will be Spanish.
The tour will last for 90 minutes.
You will enjoy an enriching historical audiovisual performance inside the Mayor Abbey Church.
The ticket allows you to skip all queues at the attraction.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (17+ years): €11 Child Ticket (7 to 16 years): €7 Youth Ticket (up to 30 years): €7 Child Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Save time and money! Discover the Alhambra with this Skip-The-Line Tour. Get priority access to the Alhambra and see the Nasrid Palaces, the Alhambra Gardens, El Generalife, the Medina, and the Alcazaba.
How to reach Fortaleza de la Mota
The Fortress of La Mota is located in the town of Alcalá la Real in the Jaén province, only an hour away from Granada.
Address: s/n, Castillo-Fortaleza de la Mota, 23680 Alcalá la Real, Jaén, Spain. Get Directions.
The Fortaleza De La Mota is well-connected with all forms of public transportation.
By Bus
From Granada, you can take a bus for the Granada-Cordoba route, and after a 55-minute journey, get down at Estación de Autobuses de Alcala La Real bus stop.
From the bus stop, the Fortress of La Mota is only a 15-20 minutes walk away, at a distance of 1.1 km (.68 mile).
In the summer months, from April 1 to October 14, the La Mota Fortress Spain is open from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.
In the winter months, from October 15 to March 31, the fortress timings are from 10 am to 6 pm.
The guided tour to the Fortaleza La Mota near Granada begins at 12 noon.
How long does the tour take
The Fortaleza de la Mota tour takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.
If you are visiting during the weekend or on a public holiday, budget an extra hour for a glimpse of Ciudad Oculta (Hidden City), a system of tunnels cut inside the rock for access to an all-important well.
Best time to visit Fortaleza de la Mota
The best time to visit Fortaleza de la Mota is in the morning as soon as the fortress opens its gates to visitors.
You can dive deep into the ancient castle and its aura without a throng of people to break your reverie.
The spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons are most pleasant.
During these months, the weather is generally mild, making it ideal for exploring the fortress and enjoying the surrounding areas.
FAQs about Fortress of La Mota
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Fortress of La Mota:
Is the Fortress of De La Mota disability friendly?
The tour operator provides handicap accessibility, and wheelchairs will be arranged for. However, please note that this is an ancient historical building, and all the spots cannot be guaranteed wheelchair accessibility.
Is the Fortress of La Mota closer to Jaén or Granada?
The fortress lies just 58 km (36 miles) away from Granada, while Jaén lies 78 km (48 miles) away.
Does the Granada Fortress of La Mota provide guided tours, and how can I book one?
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways.
On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination.
A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes.
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1 thought on “Fortress of La Mota – tickets, prices, discounts, timings, what to expect”
We took a little detour from Granada to Cordoba and discovered this awesome place. There’s free parking right next to the ticket office, and our entry fee even covers an audio guide. After that, we started the climb to the main site, making a few stops along the way. The views from the fortress are absolutely stunning, and the site is really well-kept. The church has been beautifully renovated too!
We took a little detour from Granada to Cordoba and discovered this awesome place. There’s free parking right next to the ticket office, and our entry fee even covers an audio guide. After that, we started the climb to the main site, making a few stops along the way. The views from the fortress are absolutely stunning, and the site is really well-kept. The church has been beautifully renovated too!