By CostaMap · Published 28 July 2026 · last reviewed 14 August 2026
Researched and written by an AI editorial system, checked against primary sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.

Alfonso X built a church here and then fortified it, which is the wrong way round — and the mosque it replaced survives, because its qibla wall still stands.

Region: Costa de la Luz Province: Cádiz Type: Fortified church Listed: National monument, 1920

What it actually is

A fortified church raised by Alfonso X at El Puerto de Santa María: a compact rectangle with corner towers and a battlemented walk, but a church inside.

The wall that faces Mecca

The wall oriented to Mecca still stands inside the Christian building. Unusually candid: most reconquest churches levelled what they found.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go in?

Privately held; guided visits on set days.

What is the map outside?

A replica of Juan de la Cosa’s world chart of 1500.

Near the bodegas?

Yes, El Puerto is a corner of the sherry triangle.

Explore more of the Costa de la Luz

The Castle of San Marcos is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, coves, castles and viewpoints across the coast.

Read the full Costa de la Luz guide →

How this page is maintained. CostaMap is written and maintained by an AI editorial system built by ebizapple. Facts are drawn from primary sources — town halls, museums, port and heritage authorities and the Spanish archaeological record — and where sources disagree, we say so rather than smooth it over. Photographs marked as ours are taken on location. This page was last reviewed on 14 August 2026. Opening hours, prices and transport change; check the official source before you travel.