Friday, April 10, 2015

Rockin' The Alcazaba

The Spanish version of the word casbah is alcazaba, a Moorish fortification (from the Arabic word al-qasbah), which means a citadel or walled fortification in a city.

A BIT OF THE ALCAZABA (CLICK IT; IT GETS BIGGER).

Málaga's Alcazaba was built between 1057 and 1063, incorporating existing ancient Roman walls. Many components, including columns and capitals, were taken from the Roman Theatre (built in the 1st century at the base of the hill).

That's enough of history. Time for pretty pictures from my climb up the hill Monday with cousins Lauren and Robin (click here).

(Click any image for a better view.)













CONTINUING THE CLIMB TO CASTILLO GIBRALFARO.


Rockin' the Casbah...

26 comments:

  1. Those ceilings are stunning. I've seen similar in some beautiful old colonial homes in Merida, Mexico (in photos). Very intricate and lovely.

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    1. Craig:
      They were beautiful, and those were open-air. I've seen some amazing interiors with perfectly restored ceilings. The colonial homes in Merida must be beautiful.

      Delete
  2. Amazing juxtaposition of textures in the rock and brick walls. I especially like the fourth shot that includes the plants along the walkway next to the walls - great composition. As the first 3 notes of the music played, Dennis said "The Clash! Rock the Casbah!" Great choice, one of my favorites.

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    1. Wilma:
      We kept marvelling at the textures and colors. And, thanks, I loved that view of the stone and flowers. Glad Dennis enjoyed the music, too!

      Delete
  3. Pretty pictures, that's an understatement......more please!!

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    1. Ron:
      If you insist... I've already got today's pictures of the castle ready to go.

      Delete
  4. Mitchell, Sapnish history is very interesting too.Alzacaba is worth visiting. Maybe one day I visit your place again

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  5. Beautiful! I've got to show these pics to hubby..it might just be our next overseas trip.

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    1. Cheapchick:
      As you can tell, I highly recommend it.

      Delete
  6. Love these glimpses into Spain's past. I've been to several Alcazars in Spain. I wonder if that word also comes from Alcazaba.

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    1. Stephen:
      I've been told the two words aren't interchangeable and should not be confused. An alcazar is defined as a Spanish palace or fortress of Moorish origin and comes from the Arabic word al-qasr. An alcazaba is defined as a Moorish fortification in Spain and Portugal and comes from the Arabic word al-qasbah. The explanation confuses me!

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  7. Somehow Rock the Alcazaba just wouldn't have the same ring to it (One of my faves as well, I'm boogying on my bench!)

    Gloriously beautiful; I'm especially charmed by the tile work around the window in the photo that is fourth from the bottom. Can I be your cousin and go on a tour of Malaga with you?

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    1. Jacqueline:
      If " The shareef don't like it, rocking' the casbah," I think he'd like rocking' the alcazaba even less.

      You can be my cousin any time!

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  8. And what a beautiful 'climb' that was, Mitchell! Very magical and majestic at the same time.

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    1. Jim:
      And you'll get to see the climb to the top a bit later today!

      Delete
  9. The ancient brickwork is rather more attractive than brick and stone work we saw in Germany and Austria. Loved the Clash track. Why don't I know more about them.

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    1. Andrew:
      I hadn't seen brickwork like that here in Spain before. As for The Clash, maybe you're just too young!

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  10. Whatever the 9th photo is of is just fascinating.... oh, how I want to come back to Spain!

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  11. You always have such wonderful photos to share with us, Mitchell:) I loved the stormy sea pictures, too :)

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    1. Oh, Judy, you're always so good for my ego. I hope you enjoy today's pictures that will be up shortly.

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  12. I am quite fascinated by how much Moorish influence is in Spain in her words and customs and architecture.

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