Details

High o­n a ridge lying parallel to the coast stands the Alcazaba, looking out towards the sea. Its 1430 metres of fortified walls enclose an area of 4 hectares (about 18 acres). The site was o­nce occupied by the Cartheginians but the present fortification dates from 955 A.D, when Almeria was the principal Moorish port. It fell briefly to the Crusaders (1147- 1157), o­nly to be reconquered by the Moors, who were again successful in 1307 when they withstood the siege of James III of Spain.

The fortress comprises three areas of development. The earliest site has now become a pleasant formal garden, which was constructed over the original medieval buildings. From the extreme eastern end of the walls, yet another wall (built 1014 - 1028), reaching up to St Christopher’s Hill, gave protection to the old city. A much later addition, about 1763, is the bell tower of Saint Mary the Great,used to warn the inhabitants of pirate attacks.

The second sector encloses later medieval buildings – the living quarters, a mosque, baths and aljibes. Of these the water-storage units (aljibes), a hermitage built o­n the order of Catholic kings, and a reconstructed Moorish house, can be seen today.

The third area, whose thick ashlar walls and solid circular towers denote its defensive, military purpose, is at the most westerly part of the Alcazaba. This fortress was built at the end of the 15th century by Ferdinand and Isabella, and organised around a parade ground, its towers providing an excellent lookout over the harbour.

A good, free guide to the Alcazaba, giving much more information and a clear ground plan, can be obtained at the gate. The entrance is free to E.U passport holders. This wonderful historical monument is open throughout the year, except o­n Mondays, and Christmas and New Years Day.