Belalcázar

Belalcázar takes its name from the imposing castle of the Sotomayor family, which dominates the town from a neighbouring height. The settlement was formerly known as Gahete. In 1444 John II granted it to Gutierre de Sotomayor, master of the Order of Alcántara, whose family made it the centre of a lordship. The castle was completed under his descendants, and in 1466 Gutierre's grandson received the title of count of Belalcázar. The new name celebrated the family's handsome fortress.