The old palace fortress of Alcazaba is the most important monument in Málaga and one of the best preserved Moorish fortresses in Spain. Alcazaba is connected by a fortified corridor to Gibralfaro Castle towering over the fortress.
The Alcazaba surrounds the entire hilltop above the centre and was intended as a massive defensive fortress for the entire city. It was built during Moorish rule between the 10th and 15th centuries and is unique in that it has held virtually unchanged to this day.
Directly below the fortress is the ancient Roman Theatre, another of the city's important monuments.
The inner and outer citadel
The fortress is divided into two parts. Particularly visible from a distance is the massive stone fortification of the outer citadel, through which two gates lead to the inner part of the Alcazaba. You will find yourself in beautiful gardens full of flowers, orange trees and paths winding up the steep slopes.
The inner citadel then takes on a completely different appearance of typical Andalusian palaces with ornate inner courtyards and gardens.
Admission and opening hours
The Alcazaba is open daily from 9:00-20:00, during winter only until 18:00.
The entrance fee is just 3,50 eur, and in combination with the Gibralfaro Castle it is 5,50 eur. Students with ISIC card pay just 1,50 eur and every Sunday after 14:00 the entrance is even free.
Official information: visita.malaga.eu/alcazaba
How to get there
The monument stands right above Málaga's historic centre, from where you can reach it within a 10-minute walk. The nearest bus stop, Paseo del Parque (lines 1, 4, 14, 19, 25, 36, 37, 70) is located about 100 metres from the entrance.
What to see around
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