It was the year 711 when the Muslims entered the Peninsula and began the conquest of what was called Al-Andalus, reaching as far as the Duero and Ebro valleys.

However, around the year 1030, their power weakened so much that the Christian kings began an offensive to recover the conquered lands. Thus a powerful defensive system was created to prevent the recovery of the lands by the Muslims, based on a wide range of large castles, watchtowers and fortresses, as is the case of the Castle of Alcaudete.

The Castle of Alcaudete was part of the defense belt that King Ferdinand III the Saint entrusted for the protection of the western border of the Kingdom of Jaén against the Nasrid kingdom of Granada. It was built between the XIII and XIV centuries. 

This castle has had several stages throughout its life, which have impregnated its walls with legends and stories, memories and adventures, which have left their mark on its structure and that make the monumental complex possess a unique beauty that does not leave its visitors indifferent.

The interpretation center belongs to the Regional Network of Olive Oil Mills. It is dedicated to the production systems and evolution throughout history. Located in the facilities of the olive mill LUIS CANO FUENTES E HIJOS, S.L. in Ermita Nueva and promoted by ADSUR.

At the foot of the famous Fortaleza de la Mota and the surrounding walls, lies the city of Alcalá la Real, with its urban structure of Arab origin, its steep streets, full of surprises, stately homes, churches and architectural details, samples of its splendor and its rich historical past. 

The Church of Consolación, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, the Church of San Juan Bautista, the Palacio Abacial, the Town Hall and the Fuente del Pilar de los Álamos are examples of this.

From the viewpoint in the neighborhood of Las Cruces, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Alcalá la Real and its ancient fortified city.

The Mota Fortress is much more than just a castle. Whoever approaches it will be able to learn about the concept of frontier and the ways of life derived from that situation. The system of walls, the cisterns, its streets, squares and houses, together with the Abbey Church, the old Town Hall and the military citadel, serve as guides for a journey through time in which to learn about the life and customs of a walled city in the late Middle Ages.

For more than 150 years, Alcalá became a strategic point on the northern border with the Kingdom of Granada. A space of contact between two worlds, sometimes at odds with each other. It was a complex and dangerous territory, difficult to defend, dotted with countless fortified constructions, distributed on both sides of the border.

La Mota has a complex system of walls; three belts that surrounded it starting from the high part of the hill, in the surroundings of the alcazaba, until reaching the limits of the Old suburb.

From the hill of La Mota, the “mountain of Andalusia”, as it was called in the times of the Catholic Monarchs, there is a wide perspective over Granada territory and it is not surprising the effort of both the Nasrid kingdom to maintain this advanced strategic position and the permanent attempt of its conquest by the Castilian kings to weaken the Arab power of Granada.

The Olive Oil Museum is easily accessed from the main road, about 3 km outside of Alcalá la Real. The mill dates back to 1914 and was completely restored by Alcalá Oliva in 2015. Visitors will have the opportunity to feel its authenticity and the beauty of a bygone era and will discover the history of the olive plant, the classification of olive oil, its varieties and the production process. The visit also includes a real olive picking experience (depending on the period), an oil tasting session or a longer stop for a typical breakfast or lunch.

Since 1981 to date, every December 8th, the Fiesta de la Aceituna (Olive Festival) has been celebrated. This event has been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Andalusia. A good time to publicize and promote the rich and ancient culture of the olive grove. In its origins, the celebration of this festival highlighted the date of the beginning of the olive harvest; it was a festive preamble to the beginning of the task of harvesting and to this day, is a tribute to the men and women olive growers who work our sea of olives.

Interpretation center belonging to the Red County Network of Olive Oil Mills. It is dedicated to the different types of olive oils and quality.

Located in the facilities of the SCA San Amador in Martos and promoted by ADSUR.