The lordship of El Puerto and the duke's residence

Once Alfonso X and his entire context disappeared from the historical panorama, the town of Santa María de El Puerto (hereinafter El Puerto de Santa María) was given to the merchant and soldier Benedetto Zaccaria together with a tribute in exchange for the defense of the southern coast of Spain with their ships.

The Genoese would then become the first lord of the town, making it a military stronghold with the Castillo de San Marcos being its center. In spite of everything, this situation did not last long since Benedetto received the admiralty from the French navy and El Puerto returned to being  property of the crown.

It is then that one of the most important events in the history of the castle and its city takes place; El Puerto is delivered as a lordship to Alonso Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno whose legacy falls directly on the House of Medinaceli since the marriage between Isabel de la Cerda y Guzmán and Bernardo de Foix took place. Later, with the concession of the dukedom to Luis de la Cerda (his descendant), El Puerto raised its category to county and duke’s residence.

It is here that the period of commercial splendor of the town begins, and when another of the great reforms is undertaken in the Castillo de San Marcos (1454-1501). This served as a residence for the Dukes of Medinaceli, who left their testimony in the form of buildings such as the exterior walls or the castle’s gothic sacristy.

The visitor will be able to enjoy these remains, as well as others that mark the different uses that the building had in modern era; going through being an oven, prison or ship warehouse.

Do not hesitate to book your ticket!