La Alcazaba
The city’s most distinctive building, the 11th century
Alcazaba sits in majestic splendour on the hillside overlooking
the African coast.
La Alcazaba is a military fortress build
by the Moors in the 11th century on the remains of a Romans
fortress. The fortress lies on a hill top with good view
over the town and the sea and originally consisted of 3
protecting walls (whereas 2 are still remaining), more than
100 towers
and a superior part with a residential area including 3 palaces.
An important example of Moorish architecture,
it has an impressive double wall and several imposing defensive
towers its entrance staggered purposely for defensive purposes.
Partially inspired by the Alhambra in Granada it contains
three magnificent palaces and beautiful gardens with several
ornate fountains. The Alcazaba also houses the Archaeological
Museum, home of numerous Phoenician and Muslim finds. The best preserved Alcazaba in Spain, and itself more impressive
than the one at the Alhambra in Granada.
The gardens inside the Alcazaba are particularly vivid
during April to July,, and are one of the main draws for
the complex.
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