I took the Hop-on, Hop, off bus to Gibralfaro Castle. They offered tickets for the Castle only or a combo with Alcazaba Palace. In the interest of time I’m going to skip the Palace for now.

They have a grouping of kiosks at the entrance where you can purchase your tickets.

Gibralfaro castle was built in 1340 by Yusuf I. It was constructed at the top of Gibralfaro Hill which is 426 feet high. It’s primary purpose was to protect the palace down below.

From here we can see the port and a bullfighting arena I’d like to check out.

 

 

I am heading to the other side of the castle. It’s a good idea to get here in the morning. I’ve heard this place gets really crowded in the afternoon.

Down at the bottom is the weapons courtyard. There is a museum I missed that has uniforms and weapons. I believe it is down there.

You have a great view of the city from here.

With double walls and eight towers, this castle was once considered the most impregnable fortress on the Iberian Peninsula. We’re about to head up to one of the towers now.

During the siege of Malaga in 1487, King Ferdinand’s plan to take the fort was to build towers on the outside of the fort and bridges from those towers to the fort towers. The occupants of the fort were able to destroy those bridges and towers. Eventually one tower was captured. But it was Ferdinand’s initial plan to starve the people that ultimately led to the surrender of the fort after the four-month siege.

They have bathrooms and a snack bar back near the entrance.

I’m taking a break before heading to the main tower.

The main tower is over 55 feet high. These are the steps I had to take up to get to the top of it.

This first flag is Andalusia which is basically the region we are in. The middle flag is Spain and the last flag is Malaga.

It was good doing this last because I’ll be able to see my bus coming up the hill from here.

We are coming up on two more of the towers.

From here we can see the soccer stadium.

La Rosaleda Stadium.

My bus is coming up the hill so I’m heading down and out.

From here you can see the flags at the main tower.

I’m glad I stopped here. This castle provides the best views of Malaga. I wish I had time to go through the museum and tour the palace. You could probably spend an entire day right here. If I ever get back to Malaga, The Alcazaba Palace will be at the top of my list.