Alcazaba y Murallas del Cerro de San Cristóbal, Medieval castle and museum in Almería, Spain
The Alcazaba y Murallas del Cerro de San Cristóbal is a fortress atop a hill divided into three distinct sections with massive defensive walls and numerous watchtowers. It overlooks the Mediterranean coast and now houses a museum displaying the architectural layers of this fortified complex.
The fortress was founded in 955 by Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and served as the city's main defense for centuries. It fell under Christian control in 1489 when the Reconquista transformed the region.
The fortress displays Islamic architectural features including water reservoirs and bathing facilities, later supplemented by Christian chapels. Visitors can observe how these different building periods blend together as they walk through the spaces.
Access to the site involves climbing uphill, so comfortable shoes are recommended since the paths are uneven in places. Shaded areas exist within the older structures, but the open hillside offers little protection from the sun.
The site served as a filming location for major Hollywood productions and continues to attract film crews. This connection to cinema has brought international recognition to the fortress.
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