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The Alcazaba (fortress) is the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was built in the mid-13th century by Sultan Alhamar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty. He established the last Moorish stronghold against the Christian crusaders.

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This citadel worked as a military base for the royal guard to protect the Sultan and his family.

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Its location was strategically situated on top of a hill.

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The layout, an L-shaped walkway, was also carefully designed— it kept the main gate from being seen from the outside.

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The main gate then leads to an inner unveiled area with more turns in order to reach the Place of Arms, an open space where defenders strategize and respond to an attack.

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Torre de la Vela

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Torre de la Vela is the largest tower of Alcazaba.

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It was named after this bell which hangs above it.

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The Catholic monarchs were the ones who brought this belle from Castile called La Vela (the sentinel) to ring the victory chimes for their conquest. Thus, the bell became the symbol of Christianity. Every January 2, the city commemorates Dia de la Toma, the day of the conquest.

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The views from the towers are jaw-dropping 😉

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Lovely, isn’t it? 🙂

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And if you’re a solo traveler, this is the perfect place for you to take selfies because of its amazing views of Granada and because it’s so easy to set your cameras on timer mode (thanks to the fortress’ flat surface hehehe)

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Alcazaba is just one part of the huge Alhambra. Get to know more about my favorite palatial city here.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of my Eurotrip highlights 😉

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