Alcazaba of Málaga

The Alcazaba of Málaga is a fortified Moorish palace and citadel in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain, originally constructed in the 11th century during the taifa period. It occupies a prominent hill between the historic city centre and the port and is one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain.

Key on-site features include the multi-tiered inner citadel with palatial rooms and courtyards, extensive curtain walls and towers, and gardens set within the defensive complex. The Alcazaba is directly linked to the later Castillo de Gibralfaro by ramparts and offers broad views over the city and the Mediterranean.

The Alcazaba was built as a military and administrative fortress by the Muslim rulers of Málaga and remained a major stronghold through the period of Nasrid rule. The city and fortress were captured by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487 during the Reconquista, after which the complex underwent various modifications.

The fortification sits on a low hill near Málaga’s historic centre, immediately above the excavated Roman theatre at the hill’s base and within short walking distance of the cathedral and harbour.

• Date and relation to Roman theatre: The Alcazaba dates to the 11th century and was part of Málaga's medieval defensive complex; it sits immediately above the city's excavated Roman theatre.
• Combined visits: Many visitors combine a visit to the Alcazaba with the adjacent Castillo de Gibralfaro using a single combined ticket to walk the connecting fortified walls and enjoy panoramic city and harbour views.

What to See #

• Inner citadel: The inner citadel and palace complex containing rooms, courtyards and gardens that served as the fortified administrative and residential core of the Alcazaba.
• Curtain walls and ramparts: The outer curtain walls and towers that climb the hill and connect the Alcazaba to the nearby Gibralfaro fortress, providing defensive control over the city and harbour.
• Roman Theatre: A Roman-era theatre at the foot of the Alcazaba mound, excavated in the 20th century and visible as a separate archaeological site beneath the castle slopes.