ALCAZABA

It is the main tourist attraction of Almería. After the Alhambra of Granada, it is the largest of the citadels built by the Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula and probably one of the most beautiful Andalusian fortresses because of its construction and its location on a hill from where you can superbly overlook the whole city, the medina and the modest district of La Chanca with its colourful facades. Looking at the Mediterranean horizon from the towers, we can better understand why the city became the most important sea exit from Al-Andalus. The Alcazaba was built by Abd al-Rahman III in 955, transformed and enlarged by Al-Mansur and then by Hayran, the first independent Emir of Almeria. It has three enclosures, two of Muslim design and a third of Christian origin. It was abandoned in the 19th century and restored in 1950. The visit of the first enclosure allows you to cross a whole area of very pleasant gardens with fragrant plants. In total, the tour includes 19 points that will introduce you to the Casa del Alcalde, built at the beginning of the 20th century by Prieto Moreno as a romantic tribute to the Alhambra, as well as Muslim casas reconstructed to evoke their domestic aspect and permanent exhibition sites. Both are located in the second enclosure and next to it you will find something to refresh yourself. Allow two hours for this visit. It can be completed by an ascent to the hillside of San Cristobal, the best viewpoint in the city.