The Alcazaba of Malaga

Are you in Málaga and not sure what to see (link to ‘What to see in Málaga’)? If you’re planning to visit this city on the Costa del Sol, a must-see is the Alcazaba of Málaga, one of the most impregnable fortresses of the Middle Ages.
We are talking about a building constructed during the period when the Muslims occupied the peninsula, Al-Andalus. It is said that the person responsible for its construction was the Taifa king of Málaga, a member of the Hamudi dynasty; some sources, however, mention that Badis Habus, king of the Zirid dynasty of Granada, was responsible for its renovation and extension.
The Alcazaba of Málaga is situated at the foot of Gibralfaro Hill, and right at its base lies the Roman theatre, which served as a cemetery whilst the Alcazaba was being built, and parts of which were demolished to make way for it. Just across the street is the Palacio de la Aduana, a Renaissance-style building. All this makes this area a unique blend of cultures – Arabic, Roman and Renaissance – transforming this corner into a unique intercultural haven that is not to be missed.
A visit to the Alcazaba in Málaga is the perfect way to round off a meal of tapas at that fantastic restaurant
PEZWANDA
Just 10 minutes from the Alcazaba, you’ll be able to sample the best tapas in Málaga, prepared by the brilliant Diego René.
Here is a guide to the interior of the Alcazaba so that you don’t miss anything, along with the opening times and admission prices.

What is there to see inside the Alcazaba?

There are two enclosures within the Alcazaba. To enter the first one, we’ll need to go through the main entrance, where we’ll find a map showing the route of the tour. The entrance gate, forged from metal, is one of the original features of the Alcazaba’s first construction; it is therefore over 600 years old – impressive, isn’t it? Next, we come to the door of the vaulted chamber, which is so named because it is covered by a brick vault.
Passing through the Arch of Christ, you enter the second enclosure; once past the gate, you will find the Plaza de Armas, which takes its name from the fact that this is where the artillery cannons were positioned after the Christians occupied the area. The Plaza de Armas is characterised by its views and its charming garden, inspired by the Al-Andalus period. When there are few people around, the sound of the fountains has a calming effect. This, combined with the wonderful views, makes every moment unique.
If we continue climbing, we will reach the Gate of the Seven Arches, the final gate leading to the highest part of the fortress, where you will see where the kings of the ancient world slept: the Palace, which is notable for its Nasrid-style architecture.
The Palace is surrounded by three courtyards. The first courtyard is the Surtidores Courtyard, which features a beautiful fountain dating from the Caliphate in the centre. Further on is the Nasrid Palace, where the second courtyard, the Orange Tree Courtyard, is situated. Finally, we reach the third courtyard, where the remains of a neighbourhood once stood where the palace servants lived.
Finally, we will make our way down from the Alcazaba until we reach the Roman Theatre, which is also well worth a visit.
After this tour, combined with the sunshine of the Costa del Sol, we imagine you’ll be thirsty, so we recommend you quench your thirst with a cocktail at the
Cambara Restaurant
.

Opening hours and admission prices for the Alcazaba in Málaga

Summer Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:00 (1 April to 31 October)
Winter Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (1 November to 31 March)

Standard ticket price: €3.50.
Standard ticket price for groups: €2.50.
Reduced ticket price: €1.50.

We hope this article has helped you to learn more about the Alcazaba and a little about The history of Málaga. We hope you’ll be able to visit it soon and see it for yourself!