Alcazaba of Malaga (Malaga Fortress), Malaga (must see)

The Málaga Fortress, commonly known as the Alcazaba, is a defining reminder of the city’s Islamic past. Built in the 11th century during Muslim rule in al-Andalus, it functioned both as a military stronghold and as a residence for governors. Its commanding position above the old city and port allowed control over maritime traffic and inland routes. The complex was expanded and reinforced over time, particularly under the Nasrid dynasty, before being taken by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487 after one of the longest sieges of the Reconquest. King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I entered the fortress and raised their royal standard on the Tower of Tribute, a moment often cited as a turning point in the formation of unified Spain.

The fortress is organised as a carefully layered defensive system. Access to the outer enclosure is gained through the Vault Gate, designed with a sharp double-back turn intended to slow and expose intruders—though today visitors can bypass this ascent using an elevator located on Guillén Sotelo Street, behind the City Hall. From the Vault Gate, a rising path leads past gardens and ornate fountains to the Gate of Columns. After passing through the Gate of Columns, the path opens to the left toward the Christ Gate. Once through this gate, you enter the Parade Ground. Here, on the opposite side of the Christ Gate, the Gate of the Granada Quarters leads toward the palatial heart of the Alcazaba.

Beyond the Gate of the Granada Quarters lies the Courtyard of the Jets. On the western side of the courtyard, the 11th-century Taifa Palace comes into view. Its defining feature is the Southern Pavilion, which displays Caliphal-style horseshoe arches of particular elegance.

Moving to the northwestern side of the Courtyard of the Jets brings you into the Orange Tree Courtyard—a quiet space that once served as the entrance hall to the palaces. Continuing north, you encounter the more delicate architecture of the 13th-century Nasrid period. This section is centred around the Pool Palace, where a long reflecting pool and finely carved plaster arches define the space. The rooms surrounding this courtyard now house a small Archaeological Museum, displaying Moorish ceramics and artefacts uncovered during excavations.