Alcázar de Arriba y Puerta de Marchena, Carmona

The Alcázar de Arriba y Puerta de Marchena stands in Carmona, Spain; its origins are probably Muslim, and it later became associated with Christian kings of Castile. An early fortress on this high point to the west of the town’s walls is linked to Muslim occupation and may have been used by the birzalíes in opposition to the Taifa of Seville. After the Christian conquest the complex passed into Christian hands and was rebuilt; Pedro I had it restored in the 14th century and made it one of his palaces, adapting Mudéjar forms that show close parallels with his Palacio at the Real Alcázar in Seville. Later monarchs, including the Catholic Monarchs, raised the cubete and embellished the royal apartments.

The site suffered heavy damage in the Carmona earthquake of 1504. During the plague that struck Seville in 1649 parts of the alcázar were used as a hospital and as a cemetery for victims. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 again caused severe damage. In 1871 a bullring was placed within the interior of the fortress, altering rooms and courts. The complex received formal protection as a monument on 3 June 1931 and was later declared a Bien de Interés Cultural on 22 June 1993. In the 20th century the patio de armas was adapted when the Parador Nacional de Turismo was built there and opened on 30 March 1976, an inauguration attended by the mayor Francisco Ojeda Montero and by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. Over time the site has been known by several names, including Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro and Alcázar de la Puerta de Marchena.