Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro castle)

The magnificent Gibralfaro castle is one of the stand-out emblems of Malaga. Not only does it appear on both the city and province’s seal and flag, but it dominates the Malaga skyline too.

This excellently preserved fortress, built during Malaga’s Islamic past, sits atop the hill of the same name which, throughout the city’s history, has always been of enormous strategic significance.

A big part of Malaga’s Moorish history

With some parts dating back to the 10th century, this is the newer (and higher) of the city’s two Moorish fortresses – the other being the Alcazaba. It was built to house troops and protect the Alcazaba.

However, it wasn’t until the early 14th century, when Malaga was under the rule of the Emirate of Granada, that the Alcazaba-Gibralfaro complex came into its own.

First, the Nasrid emir Muhammad II rebuilt the fortifications and palatial residences in the Alcazaba. Then, in 1340, Emir Yusuf I decided to create another fortress, the Gibralfaro alcázar, on the higher, adjoining hill to the east with two lines of walls and eight towers.

A walled corridor connected the two, creating what, for a time, was considered the most impregnable fortress on the Iberian peninsula.

However, 147 years later, after a three-month siege, in the summer of 1487, the castle was finally taken by Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, who successfully seized the city as part of La Reconquista (Reconquest). Ferdinand then occupied the castle, while his queen took up residence in the town.

Visiting the Gibralfaro castle

The Gibralfaro castle is divided into two parts. The upper part has the main courtyard and houses the Interpretation Centre (where you can discover the history of the castle), the main tower (Torre Mayor), the Phoenician well and baths. The lower part, which housed troop barracks and stables, also has the Torre Blanca watchtower.

Nowadays, the ramparts, buildings and courtyards can all be visited, while a walk around the walls gives a fantastic view over the mountains, the city and the port.

Opening hours vary according to the season. You can consult them, as well as prices, here.

Getting to the entrance of the Gibralfaro castle

The hill on which the Gibralfaro castle is located forms part of the Montes de Málaga mountain range. Therefore, if you’re unfit or temperatures are high, walking there may not be advisable.

Fortunately, there is a road to the top, so you can either catch the number 35 bus or take a taxi.

However, if you do feel like walking, there are three main ways to get to the visitors’ entrance of the Gibralfar castle:

1. Via Paseo de Don Juan Temboury from near the Alcazaba entrance. This road follows the fortress’ outer wall and joins a cobbled path.
2. Another way is to climb the zig-zag steps which lead up from beside the Municipal Heritage Museum (MUPAM) to join the same cobbled path. On this path is a fantastic ‘mirador‘ which gives unparalleled views of the bullring and port.
3. The third is much longer but takes a much more scenic route through nature. To take this route, join Calle Mundo Nuevo from beside Plaza de la Merced. This route is not advised after nightfall.

Daryl Finch

Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.