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 castle’s formidable walls and towers survive, including the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage), which originally served as the residence of the fortress’ governor but is now used to stage temporary exhibitions.
© Eusebio Torres/Shutterstock
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar
18.88 MILES
Boasting glorious beaches, vertiginous cliffs and a semi-desert hinterland, this 340-sq-km park occupies Andalucía’s southeastern corner. It’s a wild…
0.13 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…
27.73 MILES
Set between dramatic headlands 3km northeast of Las Negras, this sandy hideaway is the holy grail of the park's numerous beaches. The 250m-long playa,…
19.41 MILES
The most celebrated of the playas off the San José beach road, Playa de Mónsul is a fabulous sandy wedge hemmed in by sharply eroded lava rocks and a…
0.41 MILES
Almería’s formidable, six-towered cathedral, begun in 1525, was conceived both as a place of worship and a refuge for the population from frequent pirate…
26.57 MILES
These rare and spectacular caves, 2km east of Sorbas, are part of a vast network of underground galleries and tunnels. Guided visits lead through the…
20.38 MILES
The Calas de Barronal consist of four beautiful little beaches (El Lance del Perro, Cala Chica, Cala Grande and Cala Principe) that run along the coast in…
0.06 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…
Nearby Almería attractions
0.06 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…
0.1 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…
0.13 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…
0.16 MILES
The Alcazaba's lowest compound, the Primer Recinto, was originally a residential area. Excavations have unearthed remains of houses, streets and a complex…
0.17 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.
0.18 MILES
Offering a colourful picture of local neighbourhood life, the rowdy Plaza de Pavía market has stalls selling a mix of produce, cheap shoes and churros …
0.18 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.
0.23 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…