The above panoramic (click on it to see the full size version) gives you a really good idea of what the Alcazaba was like back in the day. It was not merely a place from which to protect the city...it WAS the city. The left part of the photo is the "castley" part. There, you can see the typical notched walls, towers, gardens, fountains, etc. As you look further to the right, you see a long wall which passes down into a valley and then back up onto the top of the next hill. That valley was the location of the original Almería, and the wall enclosed it.
The Alcazaba was constructed in three phases which are clearly distinguished as you walk around. The oldest part was constructed in the 10th century by the Arabs. It was essentially the basics--houses, aljibes, or water collection rooms, and places from which the military could defend the city.
The second part was also constructed by the Arabs, not too long after the first part, and included the addition of political headquarters, shops, etc.
The third part is noticeably different. Once Spain was reconquered by the Catholics in the late 1400's, a third and final stage was completed. This part of the fortress, constructed in true Catholic style, is crowned by a large tower topped with a cross and cross shaped windows carved in nearly all the walls. The Arabic features remain in the old parts, but the Catholics made sure that their presence was known in the construction of the newest part.
From one of the highest points of the Alcazaba, I was able to get another great panoramic view of the city and port of Almería that sit below. Once again, click on the picture to see the full size version...it's far more impressive that way.
BEAUTIFUL
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