Explore the lavishly decorated residence of Moorish sultans and other rulers in this thousand-year-old fortress built on the remains of a Roman settlement.
Built between the eighth and 11th centuries this palatial fortress was named Alcazaba, the Arabic word for citadel. The military-style structure was fortified with double stone walls and tall towers, erected to see enemies approach. Take a historic journey by entering through the fortress’ magnificent gates and explore gardens, towers and patios. From the Maldonado Tower (Torre de Maldonado), you can see all the way to Africa on a clear day.
The Moors built the Alcazaba on the site of a ruined Roman town on Mount Gibralfaro. Several Muslim sultans and successive rulers called it home. Just outside of the entrance is a first-century Roman amphitheater, which was uncovered in 1951.
Enter the outer citadel on the Plaza Aduana side by passing through the vaulted gate. Visit the chapel called the Tower of Christ and stroll through the gardens of the Plaza de Armas.
Step through the Puerta de los Cuartos de Granada into the inner citadel. Cobblestone paths lead you through lavish courtyards with ornate fountains. See the complex water systems that were used to channel water throughout the grounds. Admire the intricate 16th-century carved wooden ceiling in the Mudéjar Armory Tower. Move on to the Maldonado Tower with its original marble columns and Moorish arches.
Don’t miss a visit to the on-site museum with a collection of archeological finds from the palace, which include Phoenician, Roman and Moorish ceramics. Return to the Old Town by taking the elevator down to the Calle Guillen Sotelo.
You can visit the Alcazaba from Tuesday to Sunday until the early evening, but it is closed on New Year’s Day, February 28 and Christmas Day. There is a very small admission fee and children under 16 pay even less. On Sunday afternoons you can enjoy an hourly free tour of the fortress.
Purchase a combination ticket to get discounted access to Gibralfaro Castle, which is connected to the fortress by a passageway.
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