If you go to Malaga, you can’t miss a visit to the Alcazaba of Malaga. It is one of the most important Arab buildings remaining in Spain. In this post we tell you its history, what to see, prices and opening hours.
Did you know that the Alcazaba of Malaga is the most visited monument of the city? If you are interested in knowing the history, the most detailed information to visit the Alcazaba or if you want to know the most striking curiosities you can not miss our Post.
The Alcazaba of Malaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga is an ancient palatial fortress of the Muslim period, built at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro in Malaga. However, the Arabs were not the first to settle here, as the Phoenicians, who were the founders of the city in the 7th century BC, already placed their fortress in this location.
If you have been to Malaga and remember the location of the Alcazaba, you will understand why both civilizations settled here, as it is located in height and by the sea, which allowed them to control and anticipate the attacks of enemy civilizations both by sea and by land.
Many Malagueños know the Alcazaba as the little sister of the Alhambra, if you have visited Granada you will surely understand why this comparison is made.
Currently, the Alcazaba is one of the most special monuments for the people of Malaga, as at its feet is the ancient Roman Theatre of Malaga and the combination of these two monuments take you to a magical atmosphere. You can’t miss it at night either, as both spaces are illuminated and it is simply spectacular.
One of the biggest curiosities of La Alcazaba in Malaga that many people do not know is that between the eighteenth century and the twentieth century it became a neighborhood with almost 500 residents. It was a very humble area, which had no electricity and in which the hygienic conditions were unhealthy.
This neighbourhood arose at the end of the 19th century, when the Alcazaba in Malaga abandoned its military use and some parts of the building were in an infamous condition as some of the foundations began to crumble.
Finally, in 1931, these people were relocated to other parts of the city and the Alcazaba was restored, eliminating the climbing houses and restoring the fortress. Today it is used exclusively for tourism.
As we have told you, the Alcazaba is of Arabic originIts name means “citadel” and it is an essential place to visit: it combines the typical beauty of Muslim palaces with centuries of history as a defensive building. In fact, it was once a completely impregnable enclosure.
History of the Alcazaba Malaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga was built during the Muslim occupation of the city in the 11th century (between 1057 and 1063). In its construction, it took advantage of the fortification of Phoenician origin that already existed in the place.
The Alcazaba in Malaga is located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, where the Gibralfaro Castle (built in the 14th century) is situated.Gibralfaro Castle (built in the fourteenth century), also of Muslim origin and was responsible for defending the Alcazaba of foreign attacks.
In this area, very close to the popular Alcazabilla street, there are also remains of the Roman Theatre (discovered in 1951).
Thus, in a few meters, Malaga buildings from different eras and cultures coexist, showing the extensive history of the city of Malaga.
What to see inside the Alcazaba Malaga
The rectangular courtyards and gardens dominate the interior rooms of the Alcazaba. Alcazaba of Malaga. Do not doubt that, when you visit it, you will be in front of one of the most important Muslim palaces of all those preserved in Europe. Its privileged location, in an elevated area, meant that from the Alcazaba it was possible to dominate the whole city and the bay.
The Alcazaba underwent several reconstructions until well into the 20th century. The space occupied by the building today is less than half of what it occupied in its times of greatest splendour.
How to get to the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is located in the centre of Malaga, very close to the Cathedral and around Alcazabilla street.very close to the Cathedral and around the Alcazabilla street.
To visit the Alcazaba of Malaga, the best way is to go up in the elevator that you can take from Guillén Sotelo street, just in front of the Town Hall.
The elevator will take us to the top of the Alcazaba, where the entrance is located. Once we are inside, we can enjoy its walls, outbuildings, coffered ceilings, arches, columns, gardens and courtyards.
In fact, from the top of the Alcazaba you can find some of the best spots to get a panoramic view of Malaga.
When you reach the exit, you will pass in front of the Roman Theatre. Another opportunity to discover the extensive history of the city.
Entrance fee to the Alcazaba in Malaga
- The general price to visit the Alcazaba is 3,50 euros.
- The reduced fare is 0.60 euros. It can benefit residents in Malaga, students, retirees, pensioners, disabled or children (6 to 16 years).
- If you also want to visit the Gibralfaro Castle, you can get a joint ticket for both monuments for a price of 5,50 euros.
Alcazaba Malaga timetable
The Alcazaba has different visiting hours depending on the month of the year in which we are:
- From April to October: every day of the week, from 9 am to 8 pm.
- From November to March: every day of the week, from 9 am to 6 pm.
- The last admission is at 19:15 in summer and 17:15 in winter.
More information Alcazaba Malaga
The address of the Alcazaba is Calle Alcazabilla, 2, 29012, Malaga.
Customer service telephone number: 952227230
The monument has access for the disabled and people with reduced mobility. Also, from 2020, the capacity is regulated with the relevant measures to respect the regulations related to the coronavirus pandemic.
After the visit, nothing better than cooling off on the beach, weather permitting. In this post we review the best beaches in Malaga.
Photos: Flickr and Flickr
