Alcazaba, Medieval castle in Loja, Spain.
The Alcazaba is a medieval fortress on a hilltop above Loja with thick stone walls, several towers, and a strategic layout designed for defense. The ruins still show the structure of the original design and allow visitors to explore different areas of the site.
The fortress was built in the 9th century during Muslim rule and served to control trade routes between regions. It was later conquered and rebuilt by Christian kingdoms, resulting in its mixed architectural character today.
The fortress shapes how locals view their town's past and serves as a focal point when speaking about Loja's history. The structure reflects layers of different cultures that have left their mark on this place.
Access to the fortress is by narrow paths that climb steeply in places and require solid footwear. It is best to arrive early in the day since the sun can be intense on the open grounds with little shade available.
The fortress contains archaeological finds from different periods inside, including pottery shards and tools showing how long this place was inhabited. Visitors can walk past excavation areas and understand how archaeologists have uncovered the site's history.
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