Alcazaba (Almeria)
The Alcazaba of Almería is a Moorish fortress from which one can overlook the whole city of Almería .
history
The Alcazaba was built in the 10th century under the Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III. Erected on a 85 m high hill in the city center. Since the city was formally founded in 955, it has housed the mayor's residence. During the Taifa period from 1012 to 1091, when the city was independent, it became the residence of sovereign princes who at times claimed the title of caliph for themselves. As a builder, al-Mutasim made a name for himself between 1051 and 1091.
The Alcazaba was used by Muslim governors until the 15th century . In 1522 the palace complex was destroyed by an earthquake and partially replaced by new buildings. In the course of these reconstruction measures, parts of the Alcazaba were shaped by Christian architecture and the mosque was converted into a chapel.
construction
First castle district
The first castle district ( Vorburg ) was redesigned into a garden. On its east side is the Baluarte del Saliente bastion. The fortress wall Muro de la Vela can be climbed from this area. The outer bailey offered enough space to serve as a military camp and as a protection area for the population in the event of a siege . It had many cisterns for this purpose .
Second castle district
The second castle district is separated from the first by a wall. In Moorish times, the garrisons and the apartments of the court officials were here. Excavations are currently being carried out in its ruins.
Where the first and second castle district meet, a city wall begins , the Muralla de Jayrán , which with its many towers blocks the entire valley. It goes up to the rock Cerro de San Cristóbal, on which the ruins of the Knights Templar Castle Castillo de San Cristóbal stand. It forms part of the medieval city complex.
Third castle district
In the third castle district, the inner castle, there is a mighty keep . After Almería was taken in 1489, the main castle received a new fortification with battery towers and curtains in between .
sightseeing
Entry is free for EU citizens. In contrast to the Alhambra , there are only a few visitors here.
Web links
Coordinates: 36 ° 50 ′ 27 " N , 2 ° 28 ′ 15" W.