Access arch from the first to the second enclosure in the Alcazaba of Almeria.

© Eusebio Torres/Shutterstock

Primer Recinto

Almería


The Alcazaba's lowest compound, the Primer Recinto, was originally a residential area. Excavations have unearthed remains of houses, streets and a complex water system, comprising wells, cisterns and channels. These ruins have now been incorporated into a lovely landscaped area of gardens, fruit trees and splendid city views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Almería attractions

1. Alcazaba Entrance

0.02 MILES

The entrance gate to the Alcazaba is on Calle Almanzor. Climb the stairs and go through the Puerta de la Justicia to enter the fortress.

2. Alcazaba

0.04 MILES

A looming fortification with great curtain-like walls rising from the cliffs, Almerìa's Alcazaba was founded in the mid-10th century and went on to become…

3. Ermita de San Juan

0.06 MILES

This austere brick chapel, located in the second compound of the Alcazaba, stands atop the fortress' former mosque. Little remains of the original Mudéjar…

4. Muralla de Jayrán

0.1 MILES

Visible from the Alcazaba, this fortified wall was built in the 11th century to defend the outlying northern and eastern parts of the city.

5. Segundo Recinto

0.1 MILES

The second enclosure of the Alcazaba sits above the Muro de la Campana de la Vela, a wall named after its bell, which once chimed in times of danger. Much…

6. Iglesia de San Juan

0.16 MILES

Remains of Almería’s Islamic past are evident throughout the city, including at this church, which was built over the remains of the city’s former mosque…

7. Tercer Recinto

0.16 MILES

The highest part of the Alcazaba, the Tercer Recinto consists of a castle constructed by the Catholic Monarchs in the early 16th century. Many of the…

8. Centro de Interpretación Patrimonial

0.19 MILES

A good place to get your historical bearings and set the city's sights in context, this informative museum has three floors of historical exhibits as well…