Alcazaba of Málaga

An old Arab fortress that dominates the city from its vantage point on the hill above the Malaga Bay, La Alcazaba has now become a symbol of the modern city and an important tourist attraction. Sultan Badis, ruler of the Moorish province of Granada is credited for having it built in the 11th Century. It was declared a national heritage site in 1931 and extensive restoration work began the same year which was completed in 1947 turning back the clock and revealing the fortress's original splendor. Explorations around the site throw light on how even earlier Roman remains were incorporated into the Moorish building work, and there are attractive gardens covered in swathes of blooming bougainvillea and orange trees ripe with scented fruit where visitors can sit and rest.