I started my internship and most of the day went by at the working place. But in the evening or when I had a day off, I took the chance to see some of the attractions in Malaga. Since I was new to the city I had no idea where to begin. Luckily I had some help from the staff at JongLeren and their help led me to Alcazaba.
Alcazaba is a palatial fortification built by the Hammudid dynasty in the 11th century and can be found near the center of Malaga. The Hammudid dynasty was a Berberized Arab Muslim dynasty that ruled the Caliphate of Córdoba and the taifas of Malaga and Algeciras from 929 to 1032 [1].
Anyway, back to the fort. Alcazaba is the best-preserved fort from the Arabic al-qasbah in Spain. According to architect Leopoldo Torres Balbás, the fort is the prototype of military architecture in the Taifa period, with its double-thick walls and massive entry. Alcazaba is built on a hill in the center of Malaga, with a view of the port.
The outer entrance is through a gateway called “Puerta de la Bóveda”, which means ‘Vault Gate’. The design of this entrance gate is intended to make progress difficult for attacking enemies.
The inner entrance can only be accessed through the ‘Puerta de Los Cuartos de Granada’ – in English ‘Gate of the Granada Quarters’. This entrance acted as a defense for the western side of the fort.
Alcazaba is to the Castle of Gibralfao by a corridor. This castle has been the site of fortifications since the Phoenician foundation around 770BC. The fort became guarded later in 929CE by Calif Abd-al-Rahman.
It is said that the name is derived from the Arabic word ‘Jbel’ – meaning ‘rock or mountain’ – and the Greek word for light ‘faro’ – so ‘Jbel-faro’ which would mean ‘Rock of light’. This castle is famous for its three-month siege in 1487 by the Catholic monarchs, which ended when hunger forced the Arabs to surrender.
Next to the entrance of the fort are the remains of a Roman theater from the 1st century BC. Some of the materials from this theater were reused in the construction of Alcazaba.
Entrance and fees (adults) for Alcazaba and Gibralfao are:
€3.50 (for one monument)
€5.50 (for Alcazaba + Gibralfao)
Read more below:
https://www.alcazabamalaga.com/alcazaba-ticket-price/
