The Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is a Moorish castle located on a ridge overlooking Almeria and the surrounding seas. The Alcazaba is the second oldest Muslim fortress in Andalusia and features fortified walls that enclose a large inner courtyard. The walls stand proud at 1430 metres and surround an area of approximately 18 acres of land. The castle was once occupied by the Carthaginians and the Crusaders, although was principally occupied by the Moors.
The Alcazaba fortress consists of architecture dating back for hundreds of years which can still be seen today. A garden has been constructed over many of the original medieval buildings, although many of the later buildings can still be viewed. Ancient water storage units or aljibes can still be seen in the fortress, as can reconstructed Moorish homes. On the eastern side of Alcazaba, there is another wall built in the early eleventh century to protect the city. In 1763 a bell tower was erected to warn the city against pirate attacks. The western side of the fortress also features a large wall and tower built for protection against raids and provides excellent panoramic views of the surroundings.
The Alcazaba can be visited throughout the year, but may be closed on national holidays. Entrance is free for members of the European Union