The Alcazaba of Málaga

It was built by the Hammudid dynasty in the 11 th century. This is the best preserved alcazaba in Spain. It is the prototype of military architecture in the Taifa period. It is built directly on the rock. It is located on mount Gibralfaro. It was built on an earlier phoenician-punic fortress. It is linked to the Castle of Gibralfaro by means of a walled corridor known as the coracha.

The Alcazaba of Málaga ➢ It overlooks the harbour. The Muslims controlled its activity in the past. ➢ It was originally surrounded by three walls. ➢ It boasts square defensive towers. View of the harbour from the Alcazaba

The Alcazaba of Málaga ● It is divided into two parts: ● - outer citadel ● - inner citadel ● To get into the outer citadel, you have to traverse the ''Puerta de la Bóveda'' (Vault Gate). This gate doubles back on itself, to complicate the enemies' attacks. ● There are several gardens and fountains midway. ● There is a gate which reuses materials from the Roman ruins called ''Puerta de las columnas'' (Gate of the columns) and another one known as ''Torre del Cristo'' (Tower of Christ), which turns at right angles to again impede the advance of attackers.

The Alcazaba of Málaga ● The inner enclosure can only be accessed through the ''Puerta de los Cuartos de Granada'' (Gate of the Granada Quarters). This gate protects the western side of the palace and the ''Torre del Homenaje'' (Tower of Tribute) defends the eastern one. ● The Palace and some other dwellings are inside the second wall. ● They include the ''Cuartos de Granada'' (Quarters of Granada), which were used as the dwellings of kings and governors.

The Alcazaba of Málaga Multifoil arches at the Alcazaba of Málaga. Courtyard garden of the Cuartos de Granada.