Fancy travelling back in time, but without the burden of modern-day luggage? If so, take note of the following plan we propose at LOCK & enjoy! We invite you to discover the Alcazaba of Málaga, one of the city’s most fascinating and mysterious sites.
A Historical Jewel in the Heart of Málaga
The Alcazaba of Málaga is not merely a city monument; it stands as one of the most visited and, moreover, one of the most intriguing and best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in our country. Constructed in the 11th century by the Muslims during their reign, it is noteworthy as a vast fortress imbued with a magical and mysterious aura. Furthermore, it is situated in the very centre of the city, near the Roman Theatre. The visit lasts approximately two hours; therefore, we recommend utilising any of our luggage lockers in Málaga. Choose the size you prefer and store everything you need for as long as necessary.
The Alcazaba and Its Secrets: What the Guides Don’t Tell You
Fancy a different visit to the Alcazaba of Málaga? We recommend you continue reading this post we’ve prepared to make your getaway to Málaga unique and original. We reveal everything not found in the brochures and, additionally, what the guides only whisper. Ready?
The Whispering Passage
One of the lesser-known corners of this castle is the Whispering Passage. It’s a place that seems like the setting of an Andalusian spy film! Don’t look for it on the signs because it’s not part of the official tour. It’s a narrow corridor where something magical occurs: if a person speaks softly at one end, another person at the opposite end hears their voice perfectly. It’s not a miracle; it’s pure acoustics. The curved architecture and special composition of the walls allow sound to travel without losing any intensity. Most historians believe it was a communication system between soldiers stationed at different points of the fortification. Now then, where to find it? This effect can be experienced in many parts of the fortress, especially in certain sections of the first walled enclosure. However, you can also try in the area of the Arco del Cristo or in the small corridors with walls connecting the various watchtowers.
The Trap Doors
During your visit to the Alcazaba of Málaga, you’ll notice that many of its doors are special because they are placed at an angle or poorly designed; some cannot even be opened due to their complex opening mechanism. At first glance, they appear to be construction flaws; however, nothing could be further from the truth. The trap doors are characteristic of Andalusian defensive architecture. The secret lies in that, instead of facilitating passage, these types of doors force enemies to turn, slow down, and become disorganised. At that moment, the fortress defenders would seize the opportunity to attack the enemy from different positions. In other words, this design aimed to prevent direct entry into the fortress. Therefore, the Alcazaba was one of the most challenging to conquer in all of Al-Andalus.
The Enchanted Cistern
Another of the Alcazaba of Málaga’s secrets is its ancient cistern, an underground reservoir that supplied water to the entire castle. However, it’s surrounded by legends worth telling to explain in a bit more detail the history of the fortification. On one hand, legend has it that it’s cursed because a Muslim governor unjustly ordered the execution of a former prisoner, and his soul was cast into the cistern as punishment. Since then, some visitors claim to hear moans and cries emanating from the bottom of the well. Conversely, others see it as a sacred place, as the water was never contaminated for centuries, not even during epidemics. You decide which legend to believe! At LOCK & enjoy! we’re confident you’ll feel a special energy when you descend its narrow stairs and look inside. That said, always go accompanied and never visit at night.
The Governor’s Room
At the top of the fortress, there’s a small room quickly shown during official visits: the governor’s room. It stands out for its elegance, brightness, and excellent views. However, a very dark story unfolded inside. Popular legend tells that one of the Almoravid governors fell in love with a young Christian woman but kept her hidden in the castle. However, the girl was in love with a soldier from the same army. When the governor discovered this, he killed both of them in that room and sealed the windows for a long time. Many visitors claim to have felt a cold draft in that room, even in the height of summer. Don’t worry; the room has been completely restored since that incident, although the legend remains alive among the city’s guides, especially the more seasoned ones.
The Snake’s Viewpoint
One of the best viewpoints in Málaga is located in the Alcazaba. Despite this, very few know that in medieval times it was called the Snake’s Balcony. The reason is that, according to a Moorish legend, a giant snake lived among the fortress walls and climbed to that viewpoint every night to observe the city, aiming to monitor enemy movements. Discover the Secrets of the Alcazaba of Málaga with LOCK & enjoy! Book in advance and access discounts and promotions. We look forward to seeing you in Málaga!
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