Alcazaba de Antequera — Attraction in Antequera

Well worth a visit despite not being one of the great Andalusian monuments

No, it's not like the palaces or castles in Granada, Cordoba or Sevilla. It's much smaller for a start, and has only fortifications and no gracious living quarters.

But it is certainly worth a couple of hours to wander around its turrets and towers, walk its walls, gasp at the views in all directions.

Actually you'll be gasping even before you get here, because unless you are dropped off by taxi (no parking for your car ), you will have walked up some very steep streets or even steeper steps to reach the entrance.

As its main role was defensive (defensive and impressive, to scare off potential attackers), it is on the top of one of the two hills of Antequera, There are also slopes, steps and staircases all round the site, which is thus unsuited for reduced mobility and a no-go area for wheelchairs.

The entrance fee is €3, but over 65s can get in for half price, or get a combined ticket for this and the church next door. A passport will do as proof - I showed a TfL Freedom Bus Pass as my proof of age; perhaps my decrepit face also helped!

There are great views from the different parts of the fortifications, looking in all directions. The very best, of course, are from the very top of the great tower Torre del Homenaje. Creaky wooden stairway to get up there, then you are at the top of the town with just the great bell between you and the sky and 360 degree views. Hang on to your hat, it's windy up there!

As you climb the stairs you'll see the counterweight and mechanism for striking the bell.

TIP: avoid being either on the top or half way up at the hour, when it strikes its ear-splitting toll.

The best view of the Alcazaba itself, with the Peña de los Enamorados rock in the distance, is from the road MA 4403. There is a rough parking area for one or two cars where you can stop and...

Moorish ruins within the old town of Antequera on a strategic hilltop overlooking the entire valley. Free Parking at Alcazaba or along street. Can get a combined ticket with Real Colegiata next door. Or come on non festival Tuesday’s between 2:00 and 5:30 for free entrance to both!!! Enter the hilltop plaza containing the sites through the large Arcos. To the right is the Alcazaba. Nice gate entrance followed by garden of mainly green shrubbery. Wide walkway through the ruins leading to the main wall and 2 towers. The ruins are not much to see. Little more than holes and some rock walls. But the 2 towers and wall are excellent! Bell tower has interesting side rooms. One has 16 inch stone cannon shot. The old clock mechanism still remains. Nice views at top with bell. The plaza also has views of the Roman baths and of course the Arcos. It really is a good visit. Makes a great Antequera day visit with the Dolmens and The El Torcal rock formations!

If you are heading back to Málaga, take the scenic route back on A7075 until it...

Visiting the Alcazaba de Antequera was an incredible experience and one of the highlights of our trip! 🏰 Walking through the ancient gates, we were immediately transported back in time. The fortress is beautifully preserved, with impressive stone walls and towers that speak to its fascinating history.

The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, overlooking Antequera’s charming streets, the surrounding countryside, and even the distant mountains 😍. It’s the perfect place for stunning photos and to take in the scale of this historic city.

We purchased the combined ticket with the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, which made visiting both sites seamless and great value. The Alcazaba is well signposted, and the audio guide added depth to our visit, sharing stories of battles, rulers, and daily life within the fortress.

A must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Antequera — full of history, beauty, and...