Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera

Fortress · Jerez ·

Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera

Fortress · Jerez ·

Moorish palace, gardens, mosque, baths, camera obscura

Information

Calle Alameda Vieja, s/n, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain Get directions

@atlasobscura

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See the World the Old-Fashioned Way at These 7 Cameras Obscura

"The Alcazar of Jerez de la Frontera is a Moorish palace built in the 11th century. It’s a very nice palace, complete with a vaulted mosque, a system of wells, elaborate gardens filled with fragrant trees and even a multi-room hamam for performing ablutions in style. But it wasn’t until this century that the camera obscura was put in place. Taking advantage of the fact that the alcazar was built on the highest point in the ancient city, and that the tower is the highest point of the palace, a system comprised of two lenses and a large periscope mirror was installed on the very top of the tower. This optical contraption is controlled from below by a pair of long wooden-handled levers, to cast live images of the surrounding town onto a large parabolic table around which people gather. In a modern age where the resolution and saturation of the images we see on our myriad screens are constantly questioned and evaluated, the lenses’ projected picture on the table before the viewer is dazzlingly sharp. The mirror swivels around and zooms in on impossibly small details of the buildings of historic Jerez, the sprawling sherry warehouses and the fields beyond. Birds fly past, cars rush by, and the effect is thrilling, like the gods atop Olympus watching the minutiae of their human world below in the surface of a birdbath." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/camera-obscura-places

alyosha47 (Atlas Obscura User)

Alcázar de Jerez

@hotelsabovepar

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"Dating back to the 11th century, this fortress complex combines Moorish architecture, gardens, and a camera obscura, and sits beside the Alameda Vieja park, which is noted for offering some of the best sunset views over the surrounding countryside." - Katie Monk

https://www.hotelsabovepar.com/travel-guides/casa-palacio-maria-luisa-jerez-hotel-review

Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera

Seimen B.

Google

Impressive Alcázar and one of the most important Almohad fortresses in Andalusia, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. It was both a military stronghold and a seat of government and most of the current structure was built in the 11th and 12th century as a city within a city. After the Reconquista of 1264 it became a Christian palace and military base. When I visited the interiors were closed but the gardens with the remains of the Arab Baths were open. The gardens were nice and there were interesting details in the buildings

Simon R.

Google

Amazing old fortress to visit, a must do. We went on a Wednesday at 4.30pm, and did not have to wait to enter. This gave us 1.5 hours before closing time (last entry at 5.30pm) to view the complete complex (more than enough time). The tower and bathhouse are very interesting. It takes some effort to climb the staircase to the top of the octagonal tower, but well worth it.

M a r k

Google

An amazing building but a fascinating history right in the heart of Jerez. The building features both Christian and Islamic architecture reflecting the history of the area. You can go up the tower and walk some of the walks too. All in all exceedingly good value for €5 (concessions available-ask)

Balazs C.

Google

Well worth the visit. Cheap entrance fee for the historical lesson. The building doesn't have too much on display, could host a lot more, seems empty other than an old pharmacy display, a few paintings and quite a lot of neat posters. The real deal here is the garden and the side buildings with their history and roles on display.

irena

Google

At first I wasn't sure, if I really want to go and miss the non rainy part of the day - I would do it all over! Loved it, especially the gardens! 🥰🥰

Simon A.

Google

€5 to get in. Worth the visit as there are great views from several locations. The apothecary is a curio but the historic building is the attraction.

Filipa R.

Google

The place was very pleasant but the audio guide didn’t have matching signs so you have to guess a little bit were you were.

Timur C.

Google

Fantastic alcazar with nice gardens, an old mosque/church, hamam baths and a reproduction of an ancient olive oil production machine. The cost of 5€ is nothing compared to the site itself. Definitely worth a visit!