A short walk up from the Plaza de Aduana
are the solid fortified walls of La Alcazaba, a major landmark
of the city. This fortress dates back to the 700s, although much
of the structure belongs to the mid 11th century. The entrance is
through the gateway known as the Puerta del Cristo (Christ's
Door), where the first mass was celebrated following the Christian
victory over the town.
This pathway leads up through attractive landscaped
gardens punctuated with bubbling fountains, carrying on through
the gateways of Puerta de las Columnas, Arco del Cristo
and Arcos de Granada. Several terraces offer magnificent
views of the town and harbour. A small palace within the inner perimeter
is now the home of the Archaeological Museum.
Just below the entrance to the Alcazaba are
the ruins of an amphitheatre dating from Roman times. This dates
back to the second century AD, and are currently under restoration.
Above here there is a steep path that leads to the castle which
crowns the Gibralfaro Hill.
