The Gibralfaro Castle, located near the old town on top of a hill next to the Alcazaba, is a magnificent viewpoint over the Mediterranean, which is one of the most visited monuments in the city of Malaga today. The Castillo de Gibralfaro fortress is located on a high hill overlooking the city of Malaga. Gibralfaro Castle has a Phoenician origin when it was a lighthouse located on a hill called Gibralfaro. The castle was built in 929 by Abd al-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba, on an old annex and Phoenician lighthouse. In 1340 the castle was expanded by King Yusuf I and a double wall was added. The castle was built to house troops and protect the city. For a time it was considered the most impregnable fortress on the Iberian Peninsula. It has two wall lines and eight towers.
The castle became famous until in 1487 after a strong siege by the Catholic Monarchs, they came to take it as their residence.
The walk up to the Gibralfaro Castle, in front of the Roman Theater or the Paseo del Parque, is a bit steep and takes about 15 minutes. It is also possible to take a bus tour from the city. Once in the Castle, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour, where you can visit the museum and tour the walls that for centuries were completely impregnable.
Its main tower (Torre Mayor), 17 meters high. The outer wall is connected by zigzag walls through a fortified passage between the Gibralfaro fortress and the Alcazaba.
It consists of two lines of walls and 8 defensive towers that connect the Alcazaba with the Castle. At the bottom, you can take a tour of the entire periphery of the fort. From its different viewpoints you can enjoy views of the city of Malaga that can only be defined with the adjective "impressive". On clear days, you can see the entire bay, the Strait of Gibraltar and even some mountains of the Sierra del Rif in Africa.
The entire route is well marked but, during the visit, you will pass through some narrow and high corridors. Although it is quite safe, you should be careful especially if you are going with small children.
If you visit Malaga, don't forget to visit this magnificent Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba. Without a doubt, two absolutely essential monuments.
Address: Camino Gibralfaro, 11, 29016 Málaga, Spain
Telephone: +34 951 92 60 20
