In the following centuries, Umayyad caliph Al-Hakam II (971–976) had a series of watchtowers built to defend the city from the Viking/Norman incursions; today 12 of the 15 original towers remain.

The city was finally captured on 15 August 1341 by Alfonso XI of Castile, who granted it the title Real (Royal), which after that was part of its name.

[6] Alcalá remained under the jurisdiction of Jorquera until 1364, when king Peter I gave it the privilege of a Government Council, under the royal crown and the state of Villena.

On retreat the Napoleonic forces set fire to the upper city, resulting in partial destruction of the Abbey Church.

The city's economy is growing at reduced speed if compared to the neighbouring towns, and numerous young people from Alcalá la Real move to Granada in search of jobs.