La Alcazaba of Málaga, a fortress of great historical significance, stands as a captivating blend of history and beauty. This Muslim citadel is strategically located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, adjacent to the Arab defensive castle, connected by the protected corridor of walls known as La Coracha.

Situated in proximity to the Roman Theatre and facing the Customs Building, the Alcazaba represents a fusion of Roman, Arab, and Renaissance cultures within a compact space, making it an exceptional enclave.

The History of Alcazaba

Built between 1057 and 1063 by order of the Berber Taifa king of Granada, Badis, the Alcazaba has witnessed the dominion of various dynasties throughout its history—from the Almoravids to the Almohades—until its incorporation into the Nasrid kingdom in 1279 under Muhammad II Ben al-Ahmar.

Its Nasrid architecture seamlessly combines defense and aesthetics through rectangular courtyards, gardens, and ponds, showcasing the mastery of Arab craftsmen in manipulating light and shadow within its interiors.

Preserved as one of Spain’s most significant works, this Muslim military emblem integrates defensive elements such as matacanes, albarrana towers with arrow slits, and crenellated walls. Its strategic location allows it to visually dominate the city and the bay from its balconies.

In this dark corner of history, the dungeon served as a place of confinement for Christian captives who toiled under the sun’s relentless gaze. Their labor echoed through the stone walls, a testament to the complex interplay of power, culture, and suffering within the Alcazaba’s storied past. 🏰🔒

Over the centuries, the Alcazaba underwent multiple reconstructions, some even in the 20th century. Today, visitors can explore its archaeological treasures. During initial excavations for restoration, remnants of Roman walls coated in reddish stucco and small slate pools were discovered—used by the Romans for preparing Garum, a fish paste delicacy