Our History
13th Century
Almohads
In the 13th century, the Almohads built a small farmstead in this location, situated above a spring of underground water that could supply the garrison in case of a siege. Additionally, its strategic position allowed for a clear view of the enemy in the event of an attack. Remains of the original Islamic structure have been preserved.
Fernando III “El Santo”
On November 22, 1247, Fernando III of Castile captured Guillena. In the subsequent land distribution, he granted this area to his brother, Infante Don Alfonso de Molina. Due to the rivalry among the nobility to acquire more territories and the fear of a Muslim raid, it became necessary to construct the current fortified house with a defensive design to control the region.
María de Molina
Queen of Castile
After the death of Alfonso de Molina, the lands were inherited by his daughter, María de Molina. Her marriage to the King of Castile, Sancho IV “The Brave,” made her Queen consort, and from that point onward, the site became known as the Tower of the Queen (Spanish: Torre de la Reina). In 1292, Queen María sold this estate to a man named Abad de Hervás.
14th - 15th Century
House of Ribera
The exact moment when the property passed into the hands of the Ribera family is unknown. However, Per Afán de Ribera y Ayala inherited these lands from his grandfather, the Adelantado Mayor of Andalusia, in May 1438. This became the most significant estate of the lineage he founded, the Ribera de la Torre family, whose primogeniture was established on March 29, 1487. From 1449, he began to style himself as the first lord of the Tower of the Queen.
House of Ribera
16th Century
Introduction of the Renaissance
Introduction of the Renaissance
The Catholic Monarchs brought stability to the nobility, which led to the fortress losing its strategic importance. Starting in the 16th century, various residential spaces were added, including the noble courtyard, which features a Renaissance style, and columns imported from Genoa. The Ribera de la Torre family sought to distinguish themselves from other noble families by introducing the new Italian style to the region.
17th Century
The County of
La Torre de Perafán
On November 21, 1615, King Philip III granted the title of Countess of the Tower of Perafán to the widow of the last Lord of the Tower of the Queen, Dona Inés Enríquez Tavera de Saavedra. This established the County of the Tower (Spanish: Condado de la Torre), a title that still exists today.
18th - 19th Century
Duchy of Albuquerque and Marquisate of Alcañices
The primogeniture of the County of the Tower was absorbed by the Duke of Alburquerque’s estate, whose last duke died without heirs. The lands were inherited by the closest relative, the Marquis of Alcañices. In need of liquidity, the marquis’ widow managed to extract the lands from the primogeniture in 1822 and sell them to her administrator, J. Díez. After his death in 1846, the estate was purchased by his sister, Trinidad Díez, who required a loan for the purchase that she could not repay. As a result, the estate passed into the hands of the lender, Ignacio Vázquez, in 1849.
Today
Families of Medina and Iraheta
The Torre de la Reina Estate belonged to the Medina family until 2023, when it was acquired by the Iraheta family, the current owners of the monumental building. During the Medina family’s ownership, romantic gardens were added to the western side of the monument.
Self-Guided Tour
Bodegas Salado Wine Tour
Flamenco Dance Show
Immerse yourself in Andalusian tradition and discover the art of Flamenco with this ticket to a unique show at Seville’s Flamenco Dance Museum.