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Alcazaba

Diputación de Málaga
Antequera 1

Alcazaba

Zip Code 29200
Monuments and Art > The Castle and the Wall

Declared Monumento Nacional (National Monument), most of the wall that is still left standing is from the first half of the 14th century and it can be seen that Roman remains were used in their construction.

The castle, fortress or Alcazaba known as “Papabellotas", is a fortified edification from the Muslim period in Antequera, which was probably raised on the site of the Roman ruins. The exact date of its constuction is unknown, although it is first mentioned in the 12th century.

After constant fighting between Christians and Muslims, it was badly damaged. When King Fernando 3rd reconquered Seville it was deemed necessary to rebuilt it and enlarge it as a defence structure as Antequera had suddenly become an important strategic place that was on the border and constituted an important defence for the Sultan of Granada.

What is traditionally known as the castle/fortress of “Papabellotas” is made up of three large turrets which are linked together by a wall that also has two other semi-cylindrical towers along its length.

The most important of the three turrets is the one that goes by the name of Homenaje, which is known locally as “Reloj de Papabellotas”. It has a angled floor plan and is one of the largest of all the Muslim defence towers that was built in all the Muslim period. A stone and brick Mannerist stlte belfry was built on top of this turret in 1582, which was to house the largest bell in the city.

The Torre Blanca is joined to this turret/tower by a stretch of wall. This tower is especially outstanding for its stone work. The stone vaults, which are half-barrel are particularly well made.

The entire area that is located inside the walled area that links them until to Plazas de los Escribanos and de Santa María, is, today, a lovely gardened space where visitors can enjoy a walk. There is also an archaeological element of some interest inside the enclosed arae in the form of a water deposit made of cut stone.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Jesús Romero Benítez, Guía Artística de Antequera

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