History of the Castillo de Láchar     

Castillo de Láchar is a monument of great historical interest which originated in the first few years of the 8th century, but with a history dating back to 70AD and the Roman conquest. 

The Castle, or Palace as it is sometimes known, was under Muslim control for seven centuries and in the late 12th century, became the country retreat of the Kings of Granada. 

In 1431, the Castle was burnt to the ground when the village was destroyed.  Its reconstruction in 1437 is attributed to Count Julian, Christian Governor of Ceuta but of Berber origin, whose real name was Suban or Olban.  He is noted in history as being one of the key figures of the Muslim invasion.  It is believed that, following the ‘deflowering’ of his daughter Florinda by King Don Rodrigo, he rebuilt the Castle to hide his ‘ruined’ daughter, hence its historical nickname of “The Cave”. 

After the Conquest of Granada in 1492, in the distribution of new territories the title of Señorío de Láchar passed into the hands of Fernan Sancho de Cañaveral, Fernandez of Cordoba, and this title, with all its estates, passed from generation to generation until, in 1866, Don Julio Cañaveral y Piedrosa arrived, Count of Benalua and Duque de San Pedro de Galatino, totally restoring the Castle to give it the "Thousand and one Nights" look that it has today.

The Castle has had many influential and historical visitors over the years.  In the last weeks of 1491 it is believed that Christopher Columbus stayed at the Castle while seeking funding from the King and Queen of Spain, who were preparing for their final battle with the Moors in Granada.

From the late 19^th century until his death in 1936, Don Julio Cañaveral y Piedrosa regularly received King Alphonso XIII at the Castle.  One such visit is recorded in a framed photograph, which today hangs above the marble staircase.  He was given, naturally, the finest suite, known today as the Alphonso Room, with a magnificent domed cupola. 

Other famous visitors are thought to have been Prince Rainier III and his new bride, Grace Kelly.  It is well documented that they stayed in Granada during their honeymoon in 1956, and although it is not known if they actually stayed in the Castle, two of the palm trees in the gardens were presented to the owners by the former actress.

This extraordinary 14^th Century Palace consists of the Castle plus gardens, 6339m², entirely surrounded by a 4m high wall.  It has modern conveniences including central heating and air-conditioning, solar energy hot water, an emergency generator, security cameras around the grounds, and an abundance of water from the artisan well.