# The Alcazaba, Málaga > The Alcazaba is a Moorish palace-fortress on a hillside in central Málaga and one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain. Building began in the 11th century, with rebuilding up to the 14th. Inside are fountain courtyards, gardens and carved arches, and its towers look out over the port and sea. A walled corridor climbs to Gibralfaro Castle, and a 1st-century Roman theatre lies at the entrance. Entry is ticketed; allow 1–1.5 hours. Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/alcazaba-malaga - City: [Málaga](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga), Spain - YesGo score: 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 1 h 15 min - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Ticketed, combined ticket with Gibralfaro - Hours: Daily by day, longer in summer - Time needed: 1–1.5 hours - Highlights: Courtyards, gardens, port views - Nearby: Roman theatre, free from outside - Location: Centre, Calle Alcazabilla - Coordinates: 36.72118, -4.41575 - Facts checked: 11.11.2026 ## Key facts - **11th c.** — construction began (source: English Wikipedia) - **14th c.** — the last major rebuilding (source: English Wikipedia) - **1st c.** — the Roman theatre at the entrance (source: English Wikipedia) - **130 m** — height of Gibralfaro hill above it (source: English Wikipedia) ## About the Alcazaba The Alcazaba, Arabic for citadel, is a palace-fortress built in the al-Andalus era on a hillside above Málaga's port. The present complex was begun in the **11th century** and rebuilt and extended many times up to the **14th century**, making it one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain. It climbs the slope in tiers: gates and defensive walls below, the rulers' palaces with inner courtyards above. A walled corridor links it to Gibralfaro Castle at the top of the hill, and the remains of a **1st-century** Roman theatre lie right by the entrance. ## What to see in the Alcazaba - **Horseshoe-arched gates** — a zigzag route uphill. - **The Orange Tree Courtyard** — rows of trees and a fountain. - **The Nasrid palaces** — carved arches and narrow water channels. - **Jasmine and rose gardens** — shade and cool air. - **Tower viewpoints** — the port, the sea and the bullring. - **The Roman theatre** — at the foot of the fortress. ## Courtyards and gardens The route starts at the bottom and winds uphill through several gates with horseshoe arches. The zigzag once protected the fortress; today it reveals city views at every turn. The paths are cobbled and lined with bougainvillea and cypresses. At the top are the **palaces**, with inner courtyards, narrow water channels, fountains and carved arches. Orange trees, jasmine and roses grow here, and the sound of water creates the same cool calm as the Alhambra gardens, in miniature and without the crowds. A small room inside displays ceramics found in excavations. > **Combine it with Gibralfaro** The ticket office sells a combined ticket for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle that works out cheaper. Walking up to the castle from the Alcazaba is steep, so many people take bus 35 from Málaga Park to the top and walk down: Gibralfaro first, then the Alcazaba. ## The Roman theatre at the entrance Right by the Alcazaba entrance lies the **1st-century Roman theatre**, Málaga's oldest monument. It was only found in the 20th century, when a new building was planned on the site. The semicircle of stone seating is easy to see from the street, and a small visitor centre tells the story of Roman Malaca. In the evening the theatre is floodlit, and with the lit Alcazaba walls above it, it's one of the loveliest sights in central Málaga. Open-air performances are sometimes held here in summer. ## Views over the city and port The upper terraces give one of the best views of Málaga: the port with its cruise ships and the Muelle Uno promenade below, the round La Malagueta bullring and palm-lined beach to the right, and the green slope of Gibralfaro behind. Many visitors come up on their first day to get their bearings. ## How to get there 1. On foot from the centre, 5 minutes from the cathedral and Calle Larios. 2. The entrance is on Calle Alcazabilla, by the Roman theatre. 3. A lift by Calle Guillén Sotelo goes up to the upper section. 4. Metro to **Atarazanas**, then a 10-minute walk. ## Tips for your visit Come in the morning, when the open paths are cooler and the light is softer for photos. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are steep and the cobbles are polished smooth and can be slippery. An hour is enough for the Alcazaba; with Gibralfaro, allow 2.5–3 hours in all. Children enjoy climbing the walls and spotting ships in the port. Entry is often free on Sunday afternoons, but terms change, so check the official website before you go. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Buy the combined Gibralfaro ticket - [ ] See the Roman theatre at the entrance - [ ] Walk through the arched gates - [ ] Sit by a courtyard fountain - [ ] Find the port view from a tower ## Places in Málaga: compare and choose Places in Málaga rated by YesGo. - [Alcazaba](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/alcazaba-malaga) — YesGo score 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · Paid - [Málaga Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/malaga-cathedral) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Paid - [Marbella](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/marbella) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 5 h · Free - [Ronda](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/ronda) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 5 h · Free - [Picasso Museum](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/picasso-museum-malaga) — YesGo score 36/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 45 min · Paid ## Don't mix it up The Alcazaba is the palace-fortress on the slope; Gibralfaro is the castle at the top of the same hill, further up the walled corridor. ## Tips - Combined ticket with Gibralfaro. - Cooler in the morning. - Roman theatre at the entrance. - Comfortable shoes. ## Questions ### How much does the Alcazaba of Málaga cost? Entry is paid; there's a combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle. ### How long do you need at the Alcazaba? 1–1.5 hours, or 2.5–3 hours with Gibralfaro. ### How do I get from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro? Up a steep path on foot, or by bus 35 from Málaga Park. ### Where is the Roman theatre? At the Alcazaba entrance on Calle Alcazabilla. ### Is entry ever free? Often on Sunday afternoons; check the official website. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Hours, prices and the bus route weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Alcazaba of Málaga - Málaga tourism portal, visita.malaga.eu --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.