---
node: spot_malaga_alcazaba_of_malaga
type: spot
slug: alcazaba_of_malaga
destination: dest_malaga
title: "Alcazaba of Málaga"
lead: "The Alcazaba is the Moorish citadel above Málaga's old town, built in the eleventh century on Roman foundations and using Roman columns taken from the theatre at its foot. It is the best preserved alcazaba in Spain."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: spot_malaga_alcazaba_of_malaga.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:31.12.2021_-_Rundgang_durch_die_Maurische_Festung_in_Malaga._11.jpg"
image_author: "Holger Uwe Schmitt"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 4.0"
---

## Overview

The fortress is double-walled with a zigzag approach designed so that attackers never have a straight run at a gate — the walk up is the defence, experienced from the wrong side. Inside are Nasrid-style courtyards and pools on the upper level, and a Roman theatre of the first century BCE sits directly below the entrance, excavated in 1951. A corridor of walls links it to the Gibralfaro castle on the ridge above.

## Highlights

Buy the combined ticket with Gibralfaro and walk the connecting wall up; going the other way is a steep climb for no gain. The Roman theatre at the foot is free. Early morning gives you the courtyards to yourself and the coast light before the haze.