On Friday 14th February, 34 of us went to Alcala la Real in the province of Jaen. We had a breakfast stop as usual just outside Granada and then continued and were able to park in the grounds of the wonderful Fortaleza de la Mota. The monumental complex of the Fortaleza de la Mota is more than a simple frontier fortification, it is the ancient walled city of Alcala la Real which became the Key, guard and defence of the kingdoms of Castile. We first hear of Alcala in 713 when it was under Muslim rule. Since 1933, it has become a National Monument.
We had an excellent guide who has a wonderful personality as well as knowledge and passion for her city.
After a guided visit of the Fortaleza, we visited the Palacio Abacial which is also the Archaeological Musem, where we had a guided visit. We then adjourned to a nearby restaurant set in a lovely park in the centre of Alcala. Sadly, it was chaotic ! upon arrival we sat at our allocated tables it was only then that I was told people should be sitting in 4’s for meat, 4’s for fish – by then it was too late so there was great confusion ! I don’t think anyone went home hungry – thankfully, that is the first time such a situation has occurred !
There were still messages of thanks for the day so I think that all is well.
Christina Sinclair
Co-ordinator
Nerja History Group
email:nerjahistorygroup@yahoo.com
www.nerjahistorygroup.com