The Alcazaba

by Bradley

          The Alcazaba in Malaga is a fortification that is attached to the Gibralfaro castle. For a fortification it was surprising to me, it was very low to the ground as opposed to how high you had to climb to get to the castle. It was also surprising due to the fact that it is very decorative inside.

          The walls are decorated in many places and many of the ceilings are patterned and distinctly different from each other. There are also several courtyards with gardens or reflecting pools that make it a very inviting space.

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          Overall I think the castle above was much more interesting; it had better views, more open area and trees and such, and felt a little more grand because it sits so high up. I would suggest visiting the Alcazaba portion first and that way your exploration will get more interesting as you go! But keep in mind that there is no direct way to move from the Alcazaba to the Gibralfaro, you have to exit and go to the entrance of the other.

Visiting Information:
          Entrance Cost: 2.10 € or 3.45 € when purchasing a Gibralfaro/Alcazaba                                                 
                                         joint ticket (must be used within 24 hrs of each other)
          Hours: Tuesday-Sunday
                          Summer: 9:30am-8pm
                          Winter: 8:30am-7:30pm
                          Mondays: 9am-6pm
          Time to self-tour: 1 hour
          Total Time with the Gibralfaro: 3-4 hours (including walks up to and 
                                                                        from one to the other because the 
                                                                        Alcazaba and Gibralfaro do NOT connect 
                                                                        inside)
          Note: You do not have to walk up any hill to get to the Alcazaba, you 
                      enter at ground level in the city