The Alcabaza is probably the most famous and most visited attraction of the city of Almería. The name of this magnificent old fortress comes from the Arabic word al-qasbah, or fortified city. The construction of the Alcazaba began in 955 when Almería was named medina (“city”) by the Caliph of Cordoba. This fortress was meant to be the seat of the local government, so houses, squares, and a mosque were also built within its system of defensive walls and towers. There is a total of three walled layers of fortification, constructed in different eras for different purposes. The first enclosure was built as a shelter for the population in moments of extreme danger. The second was the residence for the governors and their families, while the third and most recent was commissioned by the monarchs Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon to create the most secure area in the city.

Price: free admission to citizens of EU countries, £1.50 for travelers from non-EU countries

Hours: Winter Hours (16/9 – 31/3) Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6:30pm; Spring Hours (1/4 – 31/5)  Tuesday-Saturday 9am-8pm; Summer Hours (16/6 – 15/9) Monday-Saturday 9am-3:30pm and 6:30pm-10pm, Sundays 10am-5pm