The Alcazaba (Spanish: [alkaˈθaβa, alkaˈsaβa]; from Arabic: القَصَبَة, romanized: al-qaṣabah, pronounced [alˈqasˤaba]; lit. 'citadel') is a palatial fortification in Málaga, Spain, built during the period of Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus. The current complex was begun in the 11th century and was modified or rebuilt multiple times up to the 14th century. It is one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain. The Alcazaba is also connected by a walled corridor to the higher Castle of Gibralfaro, and adjacent to the entrance of the Alcazaba are remnants of a Roman theatre dating to the 1st century AD.
The Gibralfaro and the hill on which the Alcazaba is built was previously occupied by Phoenicians since around 600 BC, and remains of a Phoenician fortification wall have been uncovered there. During the Roman period of the city (after 205 BC), the area was occupied by a Roman villa and industrial facilities. A Roman theater, excavated and visible today, was built into the western slope of the hill in the 1st century AD. After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century, historical sources mention the existence of a fortress on the hill, constructed by Abd ar-Rahman I (r. 756–788) and including a mosque inside.
Great place to visit and learn about some of Màlaga's history. Located in the center of the city and it has breathtaking views. There is definitely a lot of stairs and uphill walking so I would wear comfortable shoes. It is worth the trip and the price is reasonable. It is worth taking time from your vacation to visit this amazing place.
Dani AissaouiFeb 20, 2018
Very well preserved historic site with fantastic views over the city from the many high vantage points all around the walls and buildings. It's a comfortable walk for the able bodied but tricky if you have any disabled members in your party. The gardens are excellent and many historic artifacts are displayed in various buildings throughout the complex
Martin WalshJan 27, 2018
The descriptions in travel guides don't do this place justice. It's not a ruin but a beautifully maintained castle with intimate gardens.. We visited in February and had a relaxing walk in the sunshine, enjoying the smells of the different flowers and the panoramic vistas on the old town and the Mediterranean.
Paul MertensFeb 26, 2018
This is a beautiful site to visit and is very affordable. Everytime someone comes to visit us here we take them to the Alcazaba for a lovely walk back in time. The architecture is amazing. It is a bit of an uphill walk to see all of it but the views over Malaga from the upper part are wonderful. There are also several lively fountains throughout the site. There are a few rooms with additional information about the history of the time it was used and the buildings. There is a small cafe part way up that has outdoor seating only. The atmosphere of it is worth the slightly higher price of coffee as compared to other places.
Christina PedersonFeb 2, 2018
This is a great way to spend an afternoon in Málaga. With lush gardens, great views of the surrounding area, water features and a Roman theatre, there's something for most people. At under €4 it's good value, but if you have a valid student card, it's a bargain! €0.60 is obscenely cheap and a UK NUS card will also get you the discounted entry fee.
Trent ArcherDec 26, 2017
Totally worthwhile little escape from the city. €0.60 with student discount. Nice walk with nature and fountains. Good views of the harbor and the city. The entrance is a bit hard to find.
Ahanu BanerjeeApr 5, 2018
Beautiful views and free entry on Sunday afternoons. It was a wonderful way to take in the views of Malaga while enjoying the weather. It doesn’t take long to walk the entire place, but there are many nooks and crannies to explore if you want to spend a little extra time there.
Morgan PartlowMar 14, 2018
Very nice castle, low price to enter. Unfortunately not to many English explanations, though a visit worthy. Easy to access and even an elevator available so you only have to walk down instead of uphill.
E KampsMay 6, 2018
Well kept example of Moorish architecture. Bigger place so it feels less crowded than the Alhambra even when there is a cruise ship in port. Definitely worth seeing if in Malaga.
Jonathan BruhnMay 8, 2018
This place is huge, a maze, and worth visiting. Amazing views. Small cafe/kiosk on premises (way at the end) for refreshments or cafe con leche. Ticketing system/machine is not very user friendly, but let that not stop you.
Rick HarderwijkApr 26, 2018
Entrance was super cheap! Especially for students (€.60) would have paid 10 Euro it was wonderful to explore. Must do the top enterance as well!
MacKenzie RhyanMay 8, 2018
Wonderful historical place. Hard to miss. A bit of this beauty is open for the public for free. But if you want to experience more you have to buy a ticket and visit inside of this fort. It gives you a great panoramic view of Malaga sea side. I really do recommend you to take your hiking shoes and wonder off to this place. Don't forget the camera
Ins NouMay 21, 2018
I was visiting this place right after being in Alhambra and it was quite disappointing. But I think it's still a good value for the price. It takes around two hours to visit. I thought the last part was the most interesting.
Hassene Ben SalemMay 17, 2018
Very beautiful fort. You have two entrance, one is equipped with an elevator and with other you have to climb up. The climbing is not very difficult. I recommend to use the elevator for climbing and you could come down to the other entrance traversing all the castle in one go.
Aman SinhaMay 20, 2018
Awesome place with awesome views. For 2,20€ a ticket you get more than you pay. The place it's great, lot of walkways, flowers, plants, a rose garden and a terrace where you can enjoy a cold drink. There are some spots where you can take some really nice panorama shots. And there is also a toilet!! I will definetely come back on another day.
manissesMay 13, 2018
I thought the place was incredible. Very well worth the visit. Stunning veiws of the city from both lower and upper fortresses. A good point is you can buy one ticket for both fortresses, which works out cheaper! My only grip would be that all the information boards are only in Spanish, with no other languages. But I'd still go again.
Mike SiggsJun 15, 2018
A beautiful place. Amazing views of the surrounding area. Highly recommended. Too bad the plaques inside are only in Spanish. Be ready for somewhat hard climb up, wear comfortable clothes.
Ido GalJun 29, 2018
Alcazaba offers great courtyards and stunning views of the port. The entrance fee is small. They tried their best to keep the history of the site. The visit lasts about 1 hour. Overall a great experience if you are visiting.
Charles TatossianJul 6, 2018
Lovely location. Close to the beach. Great pools and beautiful gardens. Excellent facilities and not far from shops.
Marianne CareyJul 8, 2018
Great place to visit and learn about some of Màlaga's history. Located in the center of the city and it has breathtaking views. There is definitely a lot of stairs and uphill walking so I would wear comfortable shoes. It is worth the trip and the price is reasonable. It is worth taking time from your vacation to visit this amazing place.
Dani AissaouiFeb 20, 2018
Very well preserved historic site with fantastic views over the city from the many high vantage points all around the walls and buildings. It's a comfortable walk for the able bodied but tricky if you have any disabled members in your party. The gardens are excellent and many historic artifacts are displayed in various buildings throughout the complex
Martin WalshJan 27, 2018
The descriptions in travel guides don't do this place justice. It's not a ruin but a beautifully maintained castle with intimate gardens.. We visited in February and had a relaxing walk in the sunshine, enjoying the smells of the different flowers and the panoramic vistas on the old town and the Mediterranean.
Paul MertensFeb 26, 2018
This is a beautiful site to visit and is very affordable. Everytime someone comes to visit us here we take them to the Alcazaba for a lovely walk back in time. The architecture is amazing. It is a bit of an uphill walk to see all of it but the views over Malaga from the upper part are wonderful. There are also several lively fountains throughout the site. There are a few rooms with additional information about the history of the time it was used and the buildings. There is a small cafe part way up that has outdoor seating only. The atmosphere of it is worth the slightly higher price of coffee as compared to other places.
Christina PedersonFeb 2, 2018
This is a great way to spend an afternoon in Málaga. With lush gardens, great views of the surrounding area, water features and a Roman theatre, there's something for most people. At under €4 it's good value, but if you have a valid student card, it's a bargain! €0.60 is obscenely cheap and a UK NUS card will also get you the discounted entry fee.
Trent ArcherDec 26, 2017
Totally worthwhile little escape from the city. €0.60 with student discount. Nice walk with nature and fountains. Good views of the harbor and the city. The entrance is a bit hard to find.
Ahanu BanerjeeApr 5, 2018
Beautiful views and free entry on Sunday afternoons. It was a wonderful way to take in the views of Malaga while enjoying the weather. It doesn’t take long to walk the entire place, but there are many nooks and crannies to explore if you want to spend a little extra time there.
Morgan PartlowMar 14, 2018
Very nice castle, low price to enter. Unfortunately not to many English explanations, though a visit worthy. Easy to access and even an elevator available so you only have to walk down instead of uphill.
E KampsMay 6, 2018
Well kept example of Moorish architecture. Bigger place so it feels less crowded than the Alhambra even when there is a cruise ship in port. Definitely worth seeing if in Malaga.
Jonathan BruhnMay 8, 2018
This place is huge, a maze, and worth visiting. Amazing views. Small cafe/kiosk on premises (way at the end) for refreshments or cafe con leche. Ticketing system/machine is not very user friendly, but let that not stop you.
Rick HarderwijkApr 26, 2018
Entrance was super cheap! Especially for students (€.60) would have paid 10 Euro it was wonderful to explore. Must do the top enterance as well!
MacKenzie RhyanMay 8, 2018
Wonderful historical place. Hard to miss. A bit of this beauty is open for the public for free. But if you want to experience more you have to buy a ticket and visit inside of this fort. It gives you a great panoramic view of Malaga sea side. I really do recommend you to take your hiking shoes and wonder off to this place. Don't forget the camera
Ins NouMay 21, 2018
I was visiting this place right after being in Alhambra and it was quite disappointing. But I think it's still a good value for the price. It takes around two hours to visit. I thought the last part was the most interesting.
Hassene Ben SalemMay 17, 2018
Very beautiful fort. You have two entrance, one is equipped with an elevator and with other you have to climb up. The climbing is not very difficult. I recommend to use the elevator for climbing and you could come down to the other entrance traversing all the castle in one go.
Aman SinhaMay 20, 2018
Awesome place with awesome views. For 2,20€ a ticket you get more than you pay. The place it's great, lot of walkways, flowers, plants, a rose garden and a terrace where you can enjoy a cold drink. There are some spots where you can take some really nice panorama shots. And there is also a toilet!! I will definetely come back on another day.
manissesMay 13, 2018
I thought the place was incredible. Very well worth the visit. Stunning veiws of the city from both lower and upper fortresses. A good point is you can buy one ticket for both fortresses, which works out cheaper! My only grip would be that all the information boards are only in Spanish, with no other languages. But I'd still go again.
Mike SiggsJun 15, 2018
A beautiful place. Amazing views of the surrounding area. Highly recommended. Too bad the plaques inside are only in Spanish. Be ready for somewhat hard climb up, wear comfortable clothes.
Ido GalJun 29, 2018
Alcazaba offers great courtyards and stunning views of the port. The entrance fee is small. They tried their best to keep the history of the site. The visit lasts about 1 hour. Overall a great experience if you are visiting.
Charles TatossianJul 6, 2018
Lovely location. Close to the beach. Great pools and beautiful gardens. Excellent facilities and not far from shops.
Marianne CareyJul 8, 2018
Great place to visit and learn about some of Màlaga's history. Located in the center of the city and it has breathtaking views. There is definitely a lot of stairs and uphill walking so I would wear comfortable shoes. It is worth the trip and the price is reasonable. It is worth taking time from your vacation to visit this amazing place.
Dani AissaouiFeb 20, 2018
Very well preserved historic site with fantastic views over the city from the many high vantage points all around the walls and buildings. It's a comfortable walk for the able bodied but tricky if you have any disabled members in your party. The gardens are excellent and many historic artifacts are displayed in various buildings throughout the complex
Martin WalshJan 27, 2018
The descriptions in travel guides don't do this place justice. It's not a ruin but a beautifully maintained castle with intimate gardens.. We visited in February and had a relaxing walk in the sunshine, enjoying the smells of the different flowers and the panoramic vistas on the old town and the Mediterranean.
Paul MertensFeb 26, 2018
This is a beautiful site to visit and is very affordable. Everytime someone comes to visit us here we take them to the Alcazaba for a lovely walk back in time. The architecture is amazing. It is a bit of an uphill walk to see all of it but the views over Malaga from the upper part are wonderful. There are also several lively fountains throughout the site. There are a few rooms with additional information about the history of the time it was used and the buildings. There is a small cafe part way up that has outdoor seating only. The atmosphere of it is worth the slightly higher price of coffee as compared to other places.
Christina PedersonFeb 2, 2018
This is a great way to spend an afternoon in Málaga. With lush gardens, great views of the surrounding area, water features and a Roman theatre, there's something for most people. At under €4 it's good value, but if you have a valid student card, it's a bargain! €0.60 is obscenely cheap and a UK NUS card will also get you the discounted entry fee.
Trent ArcherDec 26, 2017
Totally worthwhile little escape from the city. €0.60 with student discount. Nice walk with nature and fountains. Good views of the harbor and the city. The entrance is a bit hard to find.
Ahanu BanerjeeApr 5, 2018
Beautiful views and free entry on Sunday afternoons. It was a wonderful way to take in the views of Malaga while enjoying the weather. It doesn’t take long to walk the entire place, but there are many nooks and crannies to explore if you want to spend a little extra time there.
Morgan PartlowMar 14, 2018
Very nice castle, low price to enter. Unfortunately not to many English explanations, though a visit worthy. Easy to access and even an elevator available so you only have to walk down instead of uphill.
E KampsMay 6, 2018
Well kept example of Moorish architecture. Bigger place so it feels less crowded than the Alhambra even when there is a cruise ship in port. Definitely worth seeing if in Malaga.
Jonathan BruhnMay 8, 2018
This place is huge, a maze, and worth visiting. Amazing views. Small cafe/kiosk on premises (way at the end) for refreshments or cafe con leche. Ticketing system/machine is not very user friendly, but let that not stop you.
Rick HarderwijkApr 26, 2018
Entrance was super cheap! Especially for students (€.60) would have paid 10 Euro it was wonderful to explore. Must do the top enterance as well!
MacKenzie RhyanMay 8, 2018
Wonderful historical place. Hard to miss. A bit of this beauty is open for the public for free. But if you want to experience more you have to buy a ticket and visit inside of this fort. It gives you a great panoramic view of Malaga sea side. I really do recommend you to take your hiking shoes and wonder off to this place. Don't forget the camera
Ins NouMay 21, 2018
I was visiting this place right after being in Alhambra and it was quite disappointing. But I think it's still a good value for the price. It takes around two hours to visit. I thought the last part was the most interesting.
Hassene Ben SalemMay 17, 2018
Very beautiful fort. You have two entrance, one is equipped with an elevator and with other you have to climb up. The climbing is not very difficult. I recommend to use the elevator for climbing and you could come down to the other entrance traversing all the castle in one go.
Aman SinhaMay 20, 2018
Awesome place with awesome views. For 2,20€ a ticket you get more than you pay. The place it's great, lot of walkways, flowers, plants, a rose garden and a terrace where you can enjoy a cold drink. There are some spots where you can take some really nice panorama shots. And there is also a toilet!! I will definetely come back on another day.
manissesMay 13, 2018
I thought the place was incredible. Very well worth the visit. Stunning veiws of the city from both lower and upper fortresses. A good point is you can buy one ticket for both fortresses, which works out cheaper! My only grip would be that all the information boards are only in Spanish, with no other languages. But I'd still go again.
Mike SiggsJun 15, 2018
A beautiful place. Amazing views of the surrounding area. Highly recommended. Too bad the plaques inside are only in Spanish. Be ready for somewhat hard climb up, wear comfortable clothes.
Ido GalJun 29, 2018
Alcazaba offers great courtyards and stunning views of the port. The entrance fee is small. They tried their best to keep the history of the site. The visit lasts about 1 hour. Overall a great experience if you are visiting.
Charles TatossianJul 6, 2018
Lovely location. Close to the beach. Great pools and beautiful gardens. Excellent facilities and not far from shops.
Marianne CareyJul 8, 2018
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