AtlasIslamica

Alcazaba of Málaga

More intimate and less polished than the Alhambra but full of atmosphere, Alcazaba of Málaga is an Islamic fortress built in the 11th century is one of the main attractions in Málaga

Málaga, Spain

Coordinates: 36.721389, -4.415556

The Alcazaba is a palatial fortification in Málaga, Spain.

It was built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century.

It is the best-preserved alcazaba (al-qasbah, قصبة, meaning “citadel”) in Spain.

Adjacent to the entrance of the Alcazaba are remnants of a Roman theatre dating to the 1st century BC.

Some of the Roman-era materials were reused in the Muslim construction of the Alcazaba.

Ferdinand and Isabella captured Málaga from the Muslims after the Siege of Málaga (1487), one of the longest sieges in the Reconquista, and raised their standard at the “Torre del Homenaje” in the inner citadel.

According to architect restorer, Leopoldo Torres Balbás, the Alcazaba of Málaga is the prototype of military architecture in the Taifa period, with its double walls and massive entry fortifications. Its only parallel is the castle of Krak des Chevaliers in Syria.

Know This

Entrance is just the the right of the Roman Theatre with self service ticket machines inside.

There are no amenities at the site, so you may want to take some water or a snack with you.