The alcazaba of Malaga is a palatial stronghold from the Islamic era that was constructed on top of a previous fortification of Phoenician-Punic origins. Its name is derived from the Arabic word al-qabah, which means "citadel" in English. It is situated on Mount Gibralfaro's slopes, high but next to and connected to the city's historic core, which served as the old madina of Mlaqa and is topped by the Gibralfaro Castle.
It was located at the eastern end of the city's former walled enclosure, so the city walls were on its south, west, and north fronts. The historical designs that have been preserved demonstrate that its current surface area of 15,000 square meters is not even close to what it was at its prime.
The Alcazaba of Málaga, with its double walled enclosure and numerous fortifications, is the prototype of military architecture from the Taifa period, dating to the 11th century, according to architect and restorer Leopoldo Torres Balbás. Its only counterpart is the castle of Crac de los Caballeros, a fortress the Crusaders erected in Syria between the 12th and 13th centuries.
One of the city's historical landmarks is this palace-fortress, which is well-known for fusing beauty and history in one location.