Historical Sites

Mosque / Cathedral of Córdoba city

The Mezquita (Mosque) dates back to the 10th century when Córdoba reached its zenith under a new emir, Abd ar-Rahman III who was one of the great rulers of Islamic history. At this time Córdoba was the largest, most prosperous cities of Europe, outshining Byzantium and Baghdad in science, culture and the arts. The development of the Great Mosque paralleled these new heights of splendour.

Alcazaba of Almeria

The hilltop Alcazaba's hefty walls and towers dominate the city and command magnificent views over the old town below and across to the Mediterranean. Measuring 25,000m2, this was the largest fortress built by the Moors. The Alcazaba was founded during the first half of the 10th century by Cordoban Caliph Abd al-Rahman III, who also built Medina Azahara.

Torre de Rio Real, Marbella

The Rio Real watchtower is located near the south-western bank of the Rio Real, on raised ground. This land is now a bend in the A-7 coastal road. A few metres away, on its southern side, there were abandoned Civil Guard barracks. There is no documentation of a tower at the time of the Reconquest of Marbella in 1485, so it is assumed that this tower was built at the end of the 16th century as part of the Hapsburg defensive strategy, with later modifications.

Torre del Duque, Puerto Banus

This is a defensive watchtower from the XVI century. It takes its name from the Roman baths, which are about 50 metres to the west. It is one of a chain of towers along the coast built at that time to warn the locals of pirates and possible Moorish invasions from North Africa. It is slightly conical in shape, but less so than the others, and leads to a larger terrace, perhaps to accommodate larger artillery. Built of stone, not brick, it is 13m high and has a diameter of 8.3m at the base.

La Torre de las Bóvedas in Guadalmina

This is a defensive watchtower from the XVI century. It takes its name from the Roman baths, which are about 50 metres to the west. It is one of a chain of towers along the coast built at that time to warn the locals of pirates and possible Moorish invasions from North Africa. It is slightly conical in shape, but less so than the others, and leads to a larger terrace, perhaps to accommodate larger artillery. Built of stone, not brick, it is 13m high and has a diameter of 8.3m at the base.

Punto Carnero Lighthouse, Algeciras

Nestled on the headland west of Getares, in the southern district of Algeciras, Punto Carnero and its historic lighthouse offer visitors a breathtaking experience of the Strait of Gibraltar. This scenic spot is one of the most remarkable coastal viewpoints in the region, boasting unparalleled panoramas of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar and the distant mountains of North Africa. Whether you are drawn by the dramatic landscapes, the historical significance of the lighthouse, or the serenity of nature, Punto Carnero is a must-visit destination.

History of San Francisco Monastery, Alhambra

Under the Nasrids, it was the site of the early 14th century Palace. Later, when the Catholic Monarchs were besieging Granada, Queen Isabella I of Castile vowed that, after the victory, she would build a shrine in the Alhambra to her beloved Saint Francis.

Alcazaba de Almeria - History

Archaeological excavations in recent years have verified the Roman Empire’s presence both inside and outside of the Alcazaba’s walls, and yet its current silhouette can be traced back to its founder, Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III (who also built Medina Azahara). According to an inscription found on marble which is now housed in the (Archeological) Museum of Almería, he ordered it to be built in the latter half of the 10th century.

What you can see in the Alcazaba de Almeria

The interior of the Alcazaba is divided into three walled recintos, or compounds, spreading up the long slope from the lowest part near the entrance; the first two are Islamic, and the third is Christian. A long fortified wall, the Muralla de Jayran (or Jairan), named after the 11th century king who built them, stretches from the Alcazaba, down the hill and up the other side to the Cerro de San Cristobal. From here the panoramic views take in the Alcazaba itself, as well as the city and port stretched out below.

Centre of Contemporary Andalucian Art

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo is housed in the magnificent 15th-century Monasterio Santa Maria de las Cuevas. Known as La Cartuja, this is located in the district of the same name, north of Triana and across the river from the city centre – look for the iconic, cone-shaped towers.

Ermita Rupestre de la Virgen de la Cabeza, Ronda

This ninth-century cave hermitage, carved into the rock face, has remained hidden from visitors until recently. Today, it is still used for religious purposes by the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The town of Ronda continues to celebrate a pilgrimage on behalf of the Virgen de la Cabeza that incorporates a visit to the site.