THE ALCAZABA OF ALMERIA


The Alcazaba of Almeria is strategically positioned on a hill, towering over the city and looking out towards the port and the Mediterranean Sea. This colossal fortress, divided into three sections, is the second largest Moorish stronghold in Spain after the Alhambra in Granada. Its origins and turbulent history reflect of the unsettled ages of the city.

It was built in the 10th century under the reign of Abd-ar-Rahman, the most powerful prince of Iberia, in order to defend the prosperous city against enemy attacks. These were ancient Moorish times when the Arabs were the rulers of Southern Spain. In the centuries that followed, Almeria city experienced many sieges, though it wasn`t until the late 15th century that the city surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, falling permanently into Christian hands. In the 16th century the city was subject to numerous earthquakes, of which the one in 1522 was particularly devastating and much of the city and parts of the Alcazaba were destroyed. In recent years the Alcazaba has undergone a considerable amount of restoration. The Alcazaba consists of three main parts:
The Muslim Medina

The stunning Muslim Medina was built in 955 at the foot of the Alcazaba. Of the three different fortified areas of the Alcazaba, the first section, encountered on arrival through the main entrance, is now principally a pretty garden area which incorporates the walk of the north wall and includes the ancient remains of the Arabic aljibes, the storage tanks that provided water for the citadel. The gardens lead to the wall of the watchtowers, its centrally positioned bell was added to the fortress to warn the population of the impending pirate raids that were regular occurrences between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The Christian Area

The Christian section of the Alcazaba was establised by the powerful Reyes Catolicos. This part of the Alcazaba is the Christian castle, constructed after the conquest on instruction from the new sovereignty. The castle comprises of a courtyard and three towers, one of which, the tower La Polvora, the tower of gunpowder, has the defense cannons readily positioned for battle.

The Houses, Baths, and Hermitages

These areas date back to the Reyes Católicos and include the remains of the Al-Mutasin palace. Access to the this enclosure and central section of the Alcazaba is gained by way of the wall of the watchtowers, via a characteristic Moorish room and archway leading onto a beautiful garden area with a pond and fountain. This section was home to the royal palaces, bath houses and mosque of the Alcazaba. After the Christain conquest, the mosque was replaced by San Juan chapel in the Alcazaba grounds the Ermita de San Juan chapel, it was built by the Mudejar on order of the Catholic Kings. The Mudejar was the name given to individual Muslims that remained in the territory and submitted to the rule of the Christian Kings; it also denotes the style of Iberian architecture strongly influenced by Moorish workmanship which is still evident today throughout the entire city.

A really worthwhile place to visit, this itinerary would easily pass the best part of half a day, and could be combined with a visit to the Cathedral, just a five minute walk away. The pretty Cathedral plaza has a couple of cafes with plenty of outside seating, ideal for a little refreshment after walking around the Alcazaba.