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Short description
Fortified military enclosure. The first Arab constructions date from the Caliphate period, possibly on the remains of a Roman fortification. In the XI century, the Ziríes extended the enclosure, when Granada became the capital of one of the Taifa kingdoms, even so, the main buildings date from the Nasrid era, s. XIII to XV; in the enclosure there are also some Christian additions, such as the round Torre del Cubo.
In this area is the famous Torre de la Vela, watchtower from where you can see a unique view of the city, the Vega and the Sierra Nevada. The houses of the soldiers have disappeared, and the dungeons are closed, but you can walk along some towers, adarves and round roads. Remains of bathrooms, silo, cisterns, etc.
From the Plaza de los Aljibes we enter this recess through a modern opening gate in the antemuro, going north next to the eastern wall of the fortress, where the towers of the Tribute, Quebrada and Adarguero (from which there is only the lower part). The Tribute tower, which occupies the north-eastern angle, is the highest in the fortress, and it had to set its residence Alhamar. Just at the end, and attached to the antemuro, is the Cubo tower, semicircular and built after the reconquest, to which we can climb to contemplate beautiful views over the Albayzín and the Darro valley.
Continuing the visit, we enter the North Adarve, being able to observe the double walled of this fortress. In front of us, closing the adarve, we see the Puerta de las Armas, one of the entrances to the Alhambra and the only one that connected directly with the city. In the background appears the emblematic Torre de la Vela, with its bell and bell, which marked the pace of life of the city and the valley until recently.
A plaque with the verses of the poet Francisco de Icaza on the Powder Tower summarizes the beauty of these corners: "Give alms, woman, that there is nothing in life, like the penalty of being blind in Granada." Main Square. Crossing the wall through a gate we enter the Plaza de Armas, where the military city of the Alhambra was located. Currently there are only archaeological remains of its buildings and houses, highlighting the dungeon that we can see at the foot of the Quebrada tower and the remains of a bathroom near the Vela tower, an area where the primitive entrance to the Alcazaba was located. From the Plaza de Armas we can access the adarve of the Puerta de las Armas. Garden of the Adarves. In the South Adarve a garden was built in the 17th century, from which we can contemplate beautiful views. It is reached by entering next to the Powder Tower, from which you can access the Candle Tower. Among the sources that we can see in this garden stands out the one that was placed on the cup of the Fountain of the Lions until 1949, moved here as it is not part of the original set.
What to see in the Alcazaba?
Information for the Alcazaba visit
Extreme precautions. Zone of very difficult access for physically disabled. It can be visited in the morning or afternoon shift, according to your ticket, without time control.
Duration of the tour: approx. 1/2 hour.
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