La Alcazaba - the Moorish palace of Malaga

The Alcazaba fortress and palace is one of two stone castles that dominate the skyline of the old city. It's hard to miss connecting as it does with the Castillo del Gibralfaro, the main Moorish stronghold higher up, forming a stone fortification that stretches over a kilometre up the steep hill. In old Malaga the sea lapped at the walls of these castles and they were ideally placed to defend the port and its mdina below. The Alcazaba is the Arab word for a fortified citadel, and this citadel held within it's strong walls an entire palace complex typical of the Nasrid dynasty, the high point of muslim culture in the kigdom of Al Andalus.

It has received extensive restoration as it was in fairly parlous condition by the 19th century, and it was due to such works that the remains of the extensive Roman theatre were uncovered beneath its walls. Indeed much of the stone for the palace was removed directly from the old Roman city it was built upon. The palace dates from nearly a 1000 years ago, but the current form, with its palace built around courtyards and patios dates from the Nasrid time around 1280. A visit to the Alcazaba gives you a vivid idea of the sophistication and power of the culture that dominated for over 700 years. The views are spectacular and the military significance of such a place is plain to see. It is open from 0900h to 2000 in summer months, but shuts at 1800h from November to March. Admission 2.20€ conc. 0,60€

Find out more at www.myguidemalaga.com
https://www.myguidemalaga.com/things-to-do/alcazaba