Alcazaba of Almería

Almería, Spain

In 955, Almería gained the title of medina ('city') by the Caliph of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman III: construction of the defensive citadel, located in the upper sector of the city, began in this period. The alcazaba, provided not only with walls and towers but also with squares, houses and a mosque, was to be also the seat of the local government, commanding the city and the sea nearby.

The complex was enlarged under caliph Al-Mansur and, later, under Al-Jairan, first king of the independent taifa of Almería (1012–1028).

The first line of walls is a wide enclosure corresponding to the first Muslim military camp, used as shelter for the population in case of siege. For this task it was provided with large cisterns.

The first enclosure is separated by the second one by the so-called Muro de la Vela ('Wall of the Sail'), taking its name from a bell that warned the population in case of events such as the arrival of a ship in the port, danger, fires etc. This wall was built by King Charles III of Spain.

In the second enclosure was the residence for the governors, their soldiers and their servants. It included also the mosque, baths, tanks, tents etc.

The third enclosure, the most external, is also the most modern in the complex. After the Christian conquest of Almería, the Catholic monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon had a castle built in the most elevated sector of the town, more apt to resist the new gunpowder artillery.

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Founded: c. 955 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Joaquin Ramirez (10 months ago)
Fantastic travel to the past of the Muslim architecture in Spain. There is a great. Work in progress to bring this fortress and palace to its original splendor. Free entrance. Great for kids
Trenton White (10 months ago)
Neat looking castle and allegedly a lot of history. Unfortunately they close at 1800 which didn’t allow an opportunity to visit. Lots of construction going on so even when open some parts are still restricted.
Brian Krueger (12 months ago)
Great fortress, free entry. This is not Alhambra, but the buildings themselves and fortifications and gardens are pretty close. Just missing the interiors of Alhambra. But they are working on restoration. Beautiful views from multiple vantage points, including the highest tower.
Michelle Martínez (14 months ago)
I am a huge Game of Thrones fan and to be where the Kingdom of Dorne was filmed was an amazing experience for me. Aside from that, the historical value and beauty of these buildings is definitely a sight not to miss. Be sure to wear shoes with a rubber sole, at times the stones can be slippery. This is not an ideal terrain for wheelchairs or baby carriages. The views from the gardens or buildings themselves are also amazing.
CHARLES ARNESTAD (14 months ago)
A fascinating old building with great views over Almeria. We spent about two hours wandering around the alcazaba and the other buildings on site. We didn’t take a guided tour but that is possible if that’s what you prefer. We were lucky with the weather and got some good photos of the building and over Almeria.
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