'Beautiful and Epic', These Are the Two Castles in Málaga That 'National Geographic' Includes Among the Best in Andalusia

“Castles are silent witnesses of epic episodes in history,” as defined by National Geographic, these monuments were once the central hub of each civilization and society, of each settlement, and today they are memories of the past and a piece of unique architectural work. The magazine reviews some of the castles of Andalusia that have been best preserved, barely tickled by the passage of time, including two from the province of Málaga.

Andalusia is notable for the abundance of castles that have survived to our days, with the province of Jaén leading the way, where a total of 237 remnants including alcazabas, watchtower-bastions, walls, and castles are gathered," they report from National Geographic, selecting 13 of the most beautiful and epic castles of Andalusia among which are the Alcazaba of Málaga and the one in Antequera, "fortresses worth a trip and among the most beautiful medieval castles in Andalusia."

The Alcazaba of Antequera

The Alcazaba of Antequera is undoubtedly one of the major elements that define the municipality, one of the largest in the province with incalculable architectural value. National Geographic highlights the opportunity to "access a unique geological universe on the Peninsula, with its famous Torcal de Antequera, one of the natural wonders of Spain, as its flagship."

Specifically about the Alcazaba of Antequera, they detail that for its "construction materials from the Roman and Arab eras were used" and it is popularly known as Papabellotas. "Its exact construction date is unknown, although it is first mentioned in the 12th century, when Antequera remained as a strategic military square on the frontier for the defense of the Granada sultanate," the magazine mentions, stating: "Its defensive wall preserves several towers like the Star Tower, the Water Tower, the White Tower, which surprises with the perfection in its masonry technique, or the Clock Tower, a watchtower from the 13th century, which since 1582 is adorned by a temple at the top, where the city's largest bell is kept. The towers and the walled canvas that joins them descend to the squares of the Scribes and Santa María, beautifully landscaped."

The Alcazaba of Málaga

How could the Alcazaba of Málaga not be on a list like this. "The Alcazaba is the main Arab-era monument preserved in Málaga and an ideal starting point for visiting the city," explain from National Geographic, adding that "its buildings and walls extend over Gibralfaro hill, an exceptional viewpoint over the city, the port, and its bay."

"The oldest parts of the fortification were erected in the 11th century, during the time of the Cordoba Caliphate. Later attached to the period of the taifa kingdoms, the great Malaga citadel was built on earlier Roman and Phoenician constructions, civilizations dedicated to trade with other Mediterranean ports," they report about the Alcazaba, which has "an asymmetrical layout that adapts to the ruggedness of the hill, standing out on its slope the walls and other military defenses." The Alcazaba is very well maintained, as mentioned, thanks to "beautiful gardens and terraces with views of the city, it preserves two stretches of the original three walls, and various gates opened in it" and has another crucial point for understanding everything: "The Gunpowder Interpretation Center, located at the foot of the Alcazaba, educates visitors about the historical stages of this monumental complex, an example of Hispano-Muslim art."

The 13 most beautiful and epic castles of Andalusia according to National Geographic

• Alcazaba of Antequera (Málaga)
• Alcazaba of Granada
• La Calahorra (Granada)
• Burgalimar (Jaén)
• Castle of Alcaudete (Jaén)
• Vélez Blanco (Almería)
• Alcazaba of Almería
• Alcazaba of Málaga
• Niebla (Huelva)
• Alcázar of the Gate of Seville, Carmona (Seville)
• Castellar de la Frontera (Cádiz)
• Almodóvar del Río (Córdoba)
• Castle of la Iruela (Jaén)