I have always been passionate about castles I think and when I moved to Spain, more specifically Malaga and found out that there were two castles here I couldn't wait to see them.
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I have visited the Alcazaba Castle five times and I would go back again and again, because on each visit I discover something new or a new passage, a new staircase or something that catches my attention.
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The first time I visited it, two months after arriving in this land, I had previously climbed up what is called La Coracha, a steep and somewhat complicated path to climb, but with incredibly beautiful views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. But that will be another chapter.
El Catillo de Alcazaba is located at the bottom of the Gibralfaro hill, and that is the name of the second castle which is much higher on the hill, at the top.
The area where the Alcazaba is located is somewhat higher than the historic centre, where it is situated. It also adjoins the old Roman theatre and very close by is the Palacio de la Aduana.
The Alcazaba Castle is a palace and fortress, which dates back to the Islamic period and was built over Phoenician constructions and ruins. It is believed that the century in which it was built is the 11th century.
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What we see today is only less than half of what it was in ancient times, only 15,000 square metres. I am equally surprised at its size and it is the oldest in its style.
Its architecture is evidently military as it was part of what used to be the city walls, which were later destroyed.
On my tour I was able to find a guide with numbers so as not to miss any space and many of these signs had some explanations.
The antiquity is notorious as well as the restoration works, which have been many throughout history.
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Its beauty is unparalleled. It will not be a castle like the modern ones relatively, with luxuries, colours and other details, but being eminently of military use, its style overflows with beauty and history.
I love visiting this castle and as I said I would visit it many more times. It has a special energy when you walk through it, every brick, every column, arch, marble structures. Everything is beauty.
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It is one of the most important historical monuments of the city, where we can see Roman, Islamic, Andalusian and Renaissance culture.
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At one point in history it was linked to the Castle of Gibralfaro by corridors, which we can now see, but it is forbidden to pass through. The Gibralfaro Castle is accessed from the top of the hill that bears its name.
The Alcazaba Castle, on the other hand, can be accessed in two ways: Through the main entrance or via a lift, which leads directly to the Patio de la Alberca. This is a great possibility for people who can't climb so many stairs if they have to walk up steep paths.
This architectural beauty has gone through many stages in history such as the reconquest in Spanish hands and was declared a historical artistic monument from 1930 where major restoration work began.
It has been used as an enclosure, palace having its origin in Phoenician ruins, it was an important bastion to recover the city by the Catholic Monarchs.
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It suffered earthquakes, destruction, bombardments during several wars in the 18th century and is still standing.
Before the great restorations there were others, but very small ones, especially of a chapel, it was once used as a hospital and a house for hierarchical figures.
When I look at it, I see strength, beauty, history and art. An art that was built on the rock, an Arab palace of great architecture.
One of the best preserved works in Spain, both in the towers, walls and in its time the most important thing was that it was an excellent defence as its location in front of the sea made it powerful.
The amount of visitors per day is incredible, many times it was difficult for me to take pictures for that reason, visitors from all over the world.
In addition, we can find many archaeological samples in it, since in the excavations Roman remains were discovered, especially of a place where fish paste was prepared and a dungeon, where the captive Christian women were locked up after they had worked all day.
The lower part of the castle and a neighbourhood in the vicinity have been lost. I suppose because as a military fortress it was the first thing to be destroyed in battles.
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Many of the reconstruction works used pieces from nearby places such as the Roman theatre which is next to it.
Many materials were used and according to a guide who also explained to me the way to La Coracha, there was a lot of deterioration due to humidity, so repairs were constant.
All the improvements and reconstructions were carried out after the reconquest by the Catholic Monarchs.
On entering, the first thing I see is the so-called Gate of the Columns, and after that a ramp was built to the Arch of Christ, which is a passageway leading to the interior of a tower.
You can see signs of repairs on the walls.
This large square called the Plaza de Armas is where the Roman remains were found and where the artillery was once located. There is also the Torre de la Vela (Tower of the Sail) and a gateway leading to the Coracha.
The views of the city, the port and in general the Mediterranean Sea are incredible, I could not stop looking.
This is where the dungeon was found and also where there is a Roman marble basin.
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There are many fountains in this place that decorate the square like the fish fountain, but we must also recognise that the gardens are of a great wonder.
The inner courtyards of the castle are rectangular and we can see three of them, one of them in the aforementioned square.
One is called Patio de la Alberca where there is a large water fountain.
And the beautiful courtyard of the orange trees, with lots of light and lots of orange trees.
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These two courtyards are connected by several corridors and have many rooms, some of which were used in ancient times as dwellings for kings and governors, people of high rank.
I was able to appreciate the Nasrid architecture, the reliefs and fragments of Muslim ceramics.
There were also large rooms with archaeological finds such as dishes, vessels, sculptures, most of them in a very good state of preservation.
In one room there was a clay oven and various utensils used at the time. The layout was incredible, it was like taking a trip back in time.
In another room I was able to see a space of archaeological finds and also descriptions of the jars and vessels.
It was like being inside a museum with impressive relics, but inside a castle.
The arches at the entrances showed the style used and the ceilings were amazing, great artwork.
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One of the things I liked the most was to walk along the passages, the corridors, to see every door, every corner of that place and to breathe history and transport me back in time.
Every building, tower and wall was surrounded by greenery, gardens and there were amazing views of the city.
I can say that I have fallen in love with this castle since my first visit.
In another room I was able to find the castle made to scale and to see it in its entirety is amazing. There was also a map showing each room and its connection with the Gibralfaro Castle.
According to the guide, there was a neighbourhood nearby which at that time had a modern style. It consisted of three blocks of houses, but it had electricity and water, which was very advanced for the time.
Unfortunately, being in the lower area, at the foot of the castle, it was one of the first buildings to disappear due to many reasons, one of them being the wars.
The tour is worthwhile, time and time again, if only to have these panoramic views from the top and on different levels.
Each new arch brought a new view and I enjoyed each of the spaces I visited. And also all the history I learned there.
An architectural construction that unites history, archaeology, beauty and a lot of art. I was absolutely fascinated with this place.
I dedicate this post to @mipiano, who asked me to tag her when posting about this castle.
Thank you very much for accompanying me to visit this marvelous place. Best regards to all of you and see you next time.
Amonet.
Separators created by me in Photoshop.
Used translator Deepl.com free version.
[//]:# (!pinmapple 36.72108 lat -4.41605 long Alcazaba Castle - 11th Century 📷 Malaga - Spain d3scr)