Alcazar, Jerez de la Frontera

Constructed in the twelfth century by the Almohads, though much altered since, Jerez’s substantial Alcázar has been extensively excavated and restored in recent years. The gardens have received particular attention: the plants and arrangements have been modelled as closely as possible on the original. 

The eighteenth century Villa Villavicencio was added by a random Duke and houses an old pharmacy;  I think they had to diversify to make ends meet.  

The interior of the Alcazar contains a well preserved mosque complete with mihrab from the original structure, now sensitively restored to its original state after having been used as a church for many centuries.

It's very tranquil.  Gorgeous. 

 There’s also a bathhouse, see above,  modelled by the Almohads, on those of the earlier Romans with cold and hot plunges, just as I have seen in Bath and Harrogate.  

The roof has openings in the shape of stars giving very effective soothing lighting, not unlike that seen in the steam room of my lovely local gymn.  Which I'm missing. A bit. 

Finally, we were able to see the olive press, mill wheel with bread oven and towers.