Alcazaba
According to historical records, the Catholic Monarchs’ successes in the Reconquista left Granada practically besieged in 1491. King Boabdil began secret negotiations in preparation for surrendering his kingdom, and Churriana de la Vega played a significant role in the events that followed.
An Arab parade ground stood where the fortress, or alcazaba, once stood. There, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba and Fernando de Zafra, representing the Catholic Monarchs, met with the Arab ministers Ibn Kumasa and Abu-l-Qasim Al Mulih, who represented King Boabdil. They agreed the terms of the Capitulations of the Surrender of Granada. Once drafted, the historic document was presented to the Catholic Monarchs in Santa Fé, who accepted and signed it.
These events took place in the final days of the year. On 2 January 1492, Granada was captured, marking the definitive surrender and the departure of the Arab monarchs through the territory of Churriana de la Vega. According to the historian Madoz, remains of the ancient fortress were still visible in the town square in the mid-nineteenth century. The foundations could be seen until the 1970s, when the square was paved over.
Around 300 Arab towers were once scattered throughout the Vega and surrounding areas of Granada. They gradually disappeared over the centuries and served as lookout points and refuges for Arab farmers and soldiers against attacks by Christian forces threatening the city of the Alhambra. The alcazaba was located in Plaza de la Constitución.